The students of Joe’s Upper Intermediate class have been working on a writing task which required them to think back to their first week in Leeds!
Reem, Sarah, Marta and Alhnouf share their own discoveries and experiences of life in the UK…
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“I discovered that I can do anything I want and nothing can stop me doing what I love”

Reem, from Saudi Arabia

“Have you ever tried to live in a different country? Admittedly it is not easy and you need to be responsible, determined and optimistic.

6 months ago, I came to Leeds to study Master’s degree in corporate law. Not surprising, I have to study English first. I remember the first week in Leeds was very difficult. I couldn’t adapt to the weather, the food and the people. Inevitably, the beginning of everything is hard, but you have to be strong to feel better.

All in all, I didn’t expect that I could live in another country with completely different culture. Undoubtedly, I discovered that I can do anything I want and nothing can stop me doing what I love, just think about your goals and believe in yourself.”

Sarah, from Saudi Arabia

“Have you ever tried to begin a new journey in a new place which is completely different from what you are used to?

I’m a girl who is used to living with her parents all her life. Suddenly, I took a big opportunity that came to me and everything in my life has changed. I decided to live abroad and complete my postgraduate.

The first week in the UK was very hard because it was a new culture for me. Not surprisingly, I felt scared and I saw that everything would be difficult. However, I went to see the school and while I was waiting for Neil to speak with me, I saw a lot of people from my country. Then I told myself “you know what? If they’ve done it, you’ll also do it successfully”. Amazingly, I felt self-confident and I got the feeling that I could succeed. Then I met new friends and I began to settle in the city and the school.”

“I felt self-confident and I got the feeling that I could succeed”

Laidlaw Library at University of Leeds

“I had just finished my degree in law and I decided to get out of my comfort zone”

Marta, from Spain

“Have you ever wondered what it would be like to live in another country? I had just finished my degree in law and I decided to get out of my comfort zone.

On September 15th, I moved to England and started my adventure trip. The first thing that surprised me was not the different way that they drive or the weather. It was that there aren’t any plugs in the bathroom, and now how can I dry my hair? Naturally, I understood that I needed to dry my hair in another part of the house, but in the first moment it was a culture shock!

The next thing that surprised me was the supermarket. You may be wondering what the problem is about that. Well, it was all an issue because it is complicated when you can’t understand any of the things that you are buying. The other thing was to take a bus and to say thanks when you get off the bus. All the people would think that I am a rude lady because I never remembered!

All in all, I would say that I could live happily in England.”

Alhnouf, from Saudi Arabia

“Have you ever thought about moving to another country to learn their language? I’m a student and I decided to experience that.

First of all, I decided to live in UK because I think it’s the best place to learn English. After arriving there, it wasn’t surprising because I heard about the country. A lot of people had said about historical buildings and the amazingly changeable weather! However, I have been enjoying myself. It might be that the school was good! Also, the people are very friendly.

My language is naturally improving! It’s not impossible but you have to work hard and you must have the will. All in all, I recommend everyone to have a new experience because it teaches you a lot. Predictably, I miss my family, but I’ll keep learning!”

“I decided to live in UK because I think it’s the best place to learn English”

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