Georgina Buckle

Please tell us a bit about yourself and your background?

I’m 22, from Hampshire, and I came straight to Leeds University from college after studying English literature, History and Spanish at A-Level.

 

What made you want to apply to your course and to Leeds?

For me, the language courses at Leeds offered the perfect combination of mastering the language whilst also learning about the culture of the target countries. Another great thing about studying two languages at Leeds is that they offer more time abroad compared to other universities. Other courses I had looked at would split the year abroad between two or three countries, whereas the course at Leeds dedicated almost a year and a half out of the entire degree to spending time immersing yourself in the target country. 

 

What is it that makes you passionate about your area of study?

The ability to go to different countries and take care of myself, without having to rely on everyone else in the world speaking English.

 

What aspects of the course did you enjoy the most?

My term abroad in Granada was definitely the highlight of my degree. It felt so satisfying to put into practice all the Spanish skills I’d learnt, and I loved being immersed in the Spanish culture.

 

What has been the most surprising thing about coming to Leeds?

The fact that I don’t notice how far away from home I am. The semesters are so busy I don’t notice the fact that I’m 5 hours away from home until it’s time to leave anyway!

 

What would you say about the learning facilities in your School and at the University in general?

The language facilities at Leeds are great. The language zone has so many great resources, and is perfect for online listening exercises.

 

What other activities are available for students to take part in outside of their studies, and which ones have you tried out yourself?

There are so many societies at Leeds University, there’s something for everyone. I wrote for the university feminist magazine for two years and I’ve done kickboxing and krav maga ever since my first year; something I’d never tried before university! I’ve been on the kickboxing committee twice while I’ve been here, once as secretary and once as vice-president.

 

Did you take a work placement or study abroad year? If so, how did you find this experience and what have you gained from it?

I did a study abroad year at The University of Bologna in Italy. I found it a lot more challenging than I was expecting, as there were a lot of cultural differences between Italy and the UK I wasn’t aware of. Despite how challenging it was, I stuck with it, and the personal strength and resilience it took to do it is something I will proudly take away from that experience.

 

What would you say to anyone thinking of applying to your course?

Definitely pay attention in first year! Once you’ve nailed the basics it will be so much easier to build up your grammar and vocabulary off a really strong foundation.

 

What do you plan to do when you’ve finished your course, and how do you think the skills and knowledge you’ve developed / you’re developing at Leeds will help with these plans?

I’m considering a career in HR, and my knowledge of different cultures will definitely help me to be more understanding of what different people need from their working environment in order to succeed in their careers.