A Language That Opens Doors
From Studying English to Living It
Before arriving in the UK, I had a good level of English and had met the admission requirements. However, studying the language in Mexico was one thing; using it to complete a master's degree, navigate everyday situations and build an entire life was something very different.
I worried that I would not understand my classes, find the right words to participate or have a sufficient level to write academic texts. I was also nervous about all those small situations for which no textbook can prepare you: opening a bank account, asking for information, explaining a problem, speaking on the phone or understanding someone who spoke quickly with an unfamiliar accent.
Although I had studied English for years, my own insecurities made me doubt myself. When I arrived, I understood that real learning would begin when the language stopped being a subject and became the tool I needed to navigate every day.
Navigating Life in Another Language
During the first few weeks, almost any activity could feel like a small test. I had to ask how to use transport, buy what I needed for my accommodation, arrange services, complete administrative tasks and understand instructions that were sometimes given very quickly.
Opening a bank account, accessing a service, speaking with the reception team at my accommodation or explaining that I needed help with a problem all became challenges. Speaking on the phone could be even more difficult because I could not rely on gestures or facial expressions. At first, I mentally prepared what I wanted to say before making a call.
Healthcare also presented a challenge. Registering with a GP, discussing the medicines I used or explaining a symptom required vocabulary that was not part of my usual conversations. These experiences taught me that knowing English does not mean knowing every word in advance, but being able to explain an idea in another way, ask questions and confirm that you have understood correctly.
Even the simplest activities became opportunities to practise: ordering food, shopping at the supermarket, asking for a chai, checking a route or talking with someone who was helping me. Over time, I stopped preparing every sentence so far in advance and began to respond more naturally.
A Country Full of Accents
When I arrived, I discovered that the challenge was not only understanding the British accent I had heard in films or songs. The UK has an enormous variety of regional accents and, within an international university, you also hear the different ways in which students and lecturers from around the world speak.
Training my ear required time, attention and patience with myself. There were conversations I understood immediately and others in which I had to ask politely for something to be repeated. I learned that saying, "Could you repeat that, please?" did not mean my English was poor. Even native speakers can find certain accents difficult to understand.
Spending time with local people and international students helped me enormously. Every conversation taught me new expressions and ways of communicating. Little by little, English stopped feeling like a barrier I had to overcome and became the bridge that allowed me to meet people, form friendships and understand other cultures.
Finding My Voice in the Classroom
Academic life brought different challenges. I had to read a large amount of advanced material and learn to write essays according to UK conventions. Having good ideas was not enough: I needed to express them clearly, develop arguments and use appropriate academic language.
I also felt nervous about participating in my first classes. Students were expected to debate and share their interpretations in seminars, so remaining silent was not the best way to make the most of them.
Although I was afraid of making mistakes, I decided to take the risk. I began to raise my hand and express my opinions. One strategy that helped was reading in advance and preparing a few notes or comments. I did not need to memorise a speech; having a few written ideas was enough to start talking.
My lecturers and classmates were always respectful. I never felt excluded because I was not a native speaker. On the contrary, the international environment made linguistic differences a natural part of the experience.
Much More Than Speaking Correctly
Living in English taught me that communication is not about speaking perfectly. It is about listening, asking questions, explaining an idea in different ways and having the courage to continue even when we make mistakes.
Being bilingual also brings a special perspective. Thinking in two languages allows us to recognise that the same idea can be understood in different ways and helps us develop flexibility, empathy and a more open mind.
I would tell anyone with a good level of English who is afraid of studying and living entirely in that language to try. Nobody knows from the first day all the vocabulary they will need, and everyone makes mistakes, including native speakers.
My English did not need to be perfect for me to begin. I simply needed to use it, live it and allow every class, administrative task, conversation and experience to open a new door.
- Karla
Communicating Without Borders
Bringing My Experience Back to the Classroom
Before arriving in the UK, I had worked for more than ten years in communication, marketing and content. Returning to education did not mean starting from zero, but finding new ways to understand everything I had already experienced professionally.
I have always been passionate about corporate communication, but I wanted to explore it from a broader perspective. I was interested in understanding global processes, discovering how other professional environments operate and learning to navigate international spaces more effectively.
I was also looking for a programme connected with my personal interests. I love cultures, languages and travel, so the MA in International Communication allowed me to bring together my professional experience and curiosity about the world.
Viewing Communication Through Culture
One of my favourite modules was Media, Culture and Globalisation. In class, we analysed how culture influences numerous social processes, how the media participate in the construction of meaning and how identities are transformed within a globalised world.
These subjects interested me not only academically, but also personally. Studying outside Mexico constantly encouraged me to reflect on my own identity, the ideas I carried with me and the way other people perceived my culture.
One of the assignments I enjoyed most was an essay about my cultural identity. Relating the programme's theories to my own experience made learning feel relevant and close to me. I was not memorising concepts simply to receive a mark; I was using new tools to understand myself better and analyse the world around me.
The diversity of the group enriched these conversations even further. My classmates came from different countries, cultures and language backgrounds, so the same topic could generate completely different perspectives. Listening to those interpretations was one of the most valuable parts of the programme.
Learning in a Different Way
The main difference between studying in Mexico and completing a postgraduate degree in the UK was the level of independence. Classes were only the starting point. Afterwards, I had to dedicate many hours to reading, researching, preparing comments and developing my own ideas.
Nobody was constantly reminding me of deadlines or telling me every step to follow. I needed to understand my responsibilities, organise my calendar and begin assignments well in advance. That freedom could be very positive, but it also required discipline.
The greatest challenge was readjusting to academic texts and writing numerous essays in advanced English. At first, I needed a great deal of time to organise my ideas and ensure that I met the expectations of the UK system. By my final assignments, however, researching and developing arguments had begun to flow much more naturally.
The lecturers also played an important role. Our relationship was always respectful and cordial, and we had office hours and email communication for resolving questions. Although learning was independent, that did not mean we were alone.
Finding My Own Voice
Participating in class was one of the ways I began to recognise my progress. When I shared my ideas, the lecturers began to remember me and make positive comments about my contributions. Those moments helped me understand that my professional experience had a place in the classroom. I could connect theories with real situations, participate confidently, take the lead and contribute a different perspective.
As I finish the programme, I am taking away much more than academic knowledge. I strengthened my analytical skills, time management, intercultural communication and confidence in expressing my ideas. I also discovered a deeper interest in areas such as diplomacy and cultural communication.
I would recommend this programme to anyone curious about communication, culture and globalisation. It is an especially enriching experience for those who want to question their own perspectives and learn to see the world from many points of view.
- Karla
Books, Chai and Study Days
Building a Routine from Scratch
Before arriving in the UK, one of the things I was most curious about was what my everyday life as a student would really be like. I could imagine the classes, buildings and academic work, but I did not know which small habits would eventually become part of my days.
I lived in a private studio within student accommodation close to the university. I chose that option because, after several years of working, I greatly valued my independence and wanted a space of my own. My savings and the scholarships I received allowed me to do so, although I believe every student should choose accommodation according to their own preferences and circumstances.
Living close to campus made my routine easier. A typical day began with getting ready and walking to the university. Over time, that walk became the transition between my personal space and academic life, while I listened to my music.
A Chai Before the Day Began
One of my favourite stops was The Refectory, where I bought the chai that became part of my routine. It may sound like a small detail, but these everyday rituals were very important as I settled in.
I also became friends with one of the people who worked there. She was always kind, helpful and chatty. Seeing a familiar face and stopping for a few minutes to talk helped the university feel less and less like an unfamiliar place.
After that, I might have one or two classes. In the UK, students are expected to arrive prepared, participate and continue learning outside the classroom. Class time was therefore only one part of my day. Much of the experience took place while I was reading, researching, organising my ideas and preparing essays independently.
Edward Boyle, My Second Home
Edward Boyle Library became my main study space. It was not necessarily my favourite because of its design, but because of everything it offered in practice. It was very large, had many places to work, long opening hours, and a quiet, peaceful atmosphere that helped me concentrate.
It was also the library closest to my accommodation, so I could use it very easily. I spent countless hours there reading, writing and organising my projects. Over time, I discovered my favourite spots and where I could concentrate best depending on the work I needed to do.
Studying for several hours could be tiring, especially because my programme required me to read a large amount of academic material in English. However, having a comfortable and quiet place made a considerable difference. Edward Boyle eventually became a kind of second home on campus.
A Library for Every Mood
One thing I particularly enjoyed about the University of Leeds was being able to change libraries and find different atmospheres. When I wanted a change of routine, I could work in the modern Laidlaw Library, which also had many pleasant study spaces.
The Brotherton Library, inside the iconic Parkinson Building, offered a completely different experience. Its architecture is impressive and the atmosphere can be one of absolute silence. It was perfect when I needed to concentrate deeply, although not always the best option if I wanted to take a break and talk with friends.
Over time, I realised I did not have to choose a single library. I could use different spaces depending on my mood, the type of work I was doing or the people I wanted to study with. Exploring the campus was also a way of creating my own university experience.
Studying Also Means Connecting
Not every day consisted only of classes and reading. After working in the library, I could have lunch with friends, attend an activity or spend time in the Language Zone.
There, I was also the leader of a Spanish course. I organised the presentations, structure, topics and materials for each class, as well as teaching the sessions. The experience allowed me to share my language, meet people from other cultures and feel more confident speaking in front of a group.
In my free time, I also went to the gym, used the swimming pool or attended Zumba classes. On other days, I preferred to walk, attend a university event, spend time with friends, or simply stay in my cosy studio and watch a film. Finding a balance between studying, resting and socialising was essential to settling in.
Small Rituals Matter Too
Studying for a master's degree in the UK requires a great deal of organisation. Nobody is constantly reminding you what to read or when to begin an essay. You can travel, go out with friends and enjoy the city, but you are also responsible for managing your time and completing your academic work.
At first, that level of independence was challenging. Later, I learned to be more productive, understand my own rhythm and appreciate moments of solitude. Living alone did not mean being isolated; it meant having a space of my own from which I could build a routine and then go out and become part of the community.
When I remember my student life in Leeds, I do not think only about the major moments. I also remember the walks to campus, the chai before class, the quiet hours in Edward Boyle, conversations with friends and the satisfaction of finishing a productive day.
It was precisely those small rituals that made a university on the other side of the world stop feeling unfamiliar and begin to become part of my life.
- Karla
Leeds: My Unexpected Home
Before I began my applications, Leeds was completely unknown to me. I had never visited the UK, and everything I knew about the city came from videos, photographs, social media and information I had found during months of research.
I also applied to other UK universities and, fortunately, was accepted by all of them. Choosing my destination therefore meant comparing not only the programmes, but also the cities, funding opportunities and the way each university had communicated with me. I wanted an institution with a strong reputation, but also a place where I could imagine building a life.
The University of Leeds began to stand out during the application process. I always received clear, friendly and prompt responses. The university followed up on my application and showed a genuine interest in supporting prospective international students. That attention gave me confidence even before I arrived.
I was also drawn to its academic reputation, scholarship opportunities and the qualities of the city. Leeds seemed to offer the balance I wanted: a manageable and comfortable place to live as a student, yet large, lively and interesting enough to provide a true urban experience.
The programme was also very important to me. After more than ten years working in communication, I wanted to broaden my knowledge from an international perspective. The MA in International Communication brought together communication, culture and global processes, three areas that have always fascinated me.
Although I had done extensive research, choosing a university from another country always involves uncertainty. I did not know exactly what the city would be like, whether I would adapt or whether I would feel that I had made the right decision. I could only trust the information I had gathered and what my intuition was telling me.
When Everything Became Real
No matter how many photographs I had seen before travelling, nothing compared with experiencing the campus in person. My first impression was that I had stepped into a film. The buildings, gardens and combination of historic architecture with modern spaces looked just as I had imagined, but being there gave everything a different meaning.
One of my favourite moments took place at my faculty building. I was about to walk into a class when I stopped for a moment to look at it. Its architecture has that historic, unmistakably British style, and I remember thinking, "I am really studying here." It was a simple moment, but it represented the complete fulfilment of my dream. The entire process of researching, applying, gathering documents, securing scholarships and preparing had finally brought me to that building.
I felt empowered and, at the same time, amazed that I had achieved it. After so many years of thinking about studying outside Mexico, I was no longer looking at the campus through a screen: I really was a student at the University of Leeds.
A University Full of Life
The university atmosphere also exceeded my expectations. In my experience, it was welcoming, international and dynamic. There were always societies, activities, workshops and events where I could learn something new or meet people from other parts of the world.
At the same time, there was a constant academic energy. Across the campus, students were working on projects, taking part in activities or simply enjoying the university spaces. The university also offered many resources for academic guidance, answering questions and adapting to student life.
My lecturers were respectful, approachable and willing to help. They held office hours and answered questions by email, which made me feel supported within an academic system that demands a great deal of independence.
More Than I Ever Imagined
If I could choose again, I would select Leeds once more. I enjoyed my modules, found my lecturers approachable and respectful, and felt very welcome. The university gave me the resources to grow academically, while the city also allowed me to build an entirely new life.
Leeds also gave me something I had never imagined while researching universities from Mexico: I met my British partner here. I had not come looking for a relationship and it was not part of any of my plans; it simply happened. Finding someone with whom to share this stage of my life made the city even more special.
Choosing a university from another country always involves uncertainty. I chose Leeds because of its reputation, programme and opportunities. When I arrived, I discovered that I had chosen much more than a place to study: I had found a campus that inspired me, a city that welcomed me with open arms and the setting in which I would begin a new life.
- Karla
The Sign I Was Waiting For
A Dream That Never Disappeared
The idea of studying outside Mexico did not appear overnight. From the moment I began my undergraduate degree, I dreamed of having an international experience. Yet for many years there always seemed to be a reason to postpone it: finances, personal circumstances, emotionally difficult periods, or the insecurity of wondering whether I was capable enough to achieve it.
The dream never disappeared. After more than ten years of professional experience, I found myself at a different stage of life. I had been through significant changes, managed to save money and, above all, reconnected with myself. I realised I no longer wanted to wait for the perfect moment: I needed to turn that wish into a real plan.
I wanted to grow professionally, but I was also looking for something deeply personal. I wanted to prove that I could live on my own, support myself and start a life in another country through my own work, achievements and effort. More than earning a degree, I wanted to transform my life completely.
Why I Chose the UK
I explored programmes across Europe, but the UK had always been my first choice. I was attracted by the reputation of its universities, its academic rigour and the opportunity to study in an international environment.
There was also a more personal connection: I have always loved the British accent, I was interested in the culture, and much of the music that has accompanied me throughout my life comes from British bands. I knew that studying there would be a major challenge, but that was precisely why I felt it could transform me.
From Dream to Application
I discovered Across the Pond while researching how to study in the UK. I read testimonials from other students, looked through its social media channels and later encountered the organisation at education fairs.
When I contacted them, I had many doubts. I worried that I would not find programmes suited to me, that the time since my undergraduate degree might count against me, or that difficulties would arise and make it impossible to continue.
My advisor supported me throughout the process with warmth, patience and encouragement. She helped me explore programmes, understand the documentation and prepare my applications. I also received information about universities and cities, important reminders, invitations to webinars and opportunities to speak with university representatives and former students.
That support made a process that initially felt enormous begin to feel organised and achievable. When I received my offer from the University of Leeds, I was overjoyed. Knowing that a highly regarded university valued my experience and believed that I met its requirements gave me the confidence I needed to keep going.
The Email That Changed Everything
During the process, I also applied for several scholarships. I did so with great excitement, although deep down I thought they would be very difficult to obtain because I had never received an opportunity like that before.
One morning changed everything. An email had arrived during the night with "Tetley and Lupton Scholarship" in the subject line. I was so nervous that, for a few moments, I did not want to open it.
When I finally read that I had been selected, I could not believe it. I began to cry and called my mum to share the news. We cried and hugged as I tried to take in that the scholarship would give me tremendous peace of mind and financial stability while I was abroad.
I had promised myself that if I received it, I would take it as the definitive sign that I should go, and that is exactly what happened. From that moment, I began organising my accommodation, visa and all the details required to begin this new stage.
Later, I learned that I had also received a SECIHTI scholarship. I cried with happiness again and realised that I was achieving a goal I had considered almost impossible for so long.
My Moment Finally Arrived
A few months before travelling, I went through a major personal loss and, for a moment, considered abandoning the project. Even so, I decided to continue and give myself the opportunity to experience what I had worked towards for so long.
Arriving in the UK meant more than beginning a master's degree. It also meant learning to live independently, handle everything in another language and trust myself much more.
If I could speak to the version of myself who began this process , I would tell her to try without always imagining the worst possible outcome. I would remind her that dreams can come true and that some opportunities may not arrive when we expect them, but when we are finally ready to live them.
- Karla
