If you're interested in areas like data analytics, accounting, marketing, entrepreneurship, international business, among others, Leeds University Business School is an excellent place to grow both academically and personally. It’s part of the University of Leeds, one of the UK’s leading institutions, and holds the prestigious triple accreditation (AMBA, EQUIS, and AACSB). Located in one of the most vibrant and student-friendly cities in the UK, the School blends academic research with practical learning.

I'm currently pursuing a Master's in Business Analytics and Decision Sciences. One of the main reasons I chose Leeds was the wide range of scholarships available. The Business School offers over 100 Excellence Scholarships to both UK and international students starting a Master's course, covering up to 50% of tuition fees. As an international student from Mexico, receiving one of these scholarships played a big role in my decision, it made studying abroad more accessible and gave me a sense of being truly valued.

Once classes began, I found the transition to be smooth. The university uses an app that helped me track my timetable and access learning materials. Each term, I had four modules, made up of lectures, where concepts were introduced, and seminars that provided practical applications through interactive sessions. One thing that was new for me was that each module was assessed entirely through a final exam or assignment, which took some adjustment.

My highlight so far has definitely been the Postgraduate Study Tour Programme. Each year, a select group of 20 students from three Master's programmes are chosen to study abroad for a week. I had the amazing opportunity to visit the University of Antwerp in Belgium. We attended lectures in the mornings and spent our afternoons visiting companies and cultural landmarks like the European Parliament and Chocolate Nation.

Beyond the classroom, the Business School hosts competitions and challenges where students put their skills to the test for prizes and recognition. These events, combined with the University’s Careers Service and visits from major companies, create a strong foundation for gaining professional experience and building your CV.

As I approach the end of my degree, I’m incredibly grateful I chose to study at the University of Leeds. It wasn’t an easy decision at the time, but it’s been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. If you're unsure about studying abroad, don’t hesitate, it’s an investment in your future and a powerful opportunity for personal and professional growth.

- Sandra
 

I’m currently pursuing my Master’s in Occupational Therapy at the University of Derby, and it’s been quite the journey so far. Derby is located in the East Midlands, which means it’s incredibly well-connected by train to many major cities, a huge plus for exploring the UK and getting to nearby airports for international travel. However, it’s also a relatively small city. While that makes it easy to navigate and settle in quickly, it can feel a bit quiet if you’re used to a more active student lifestyle. Looking back, I wish I had considered city size more carefully when choosing where to study, especially after coming from a larger program.

One thing that stood out to me when applying was that Derby was the first OT program certified by the NHS, which gave me a lot of confidence in the program’s quality. It’s also been backed by strong student experiences, and I’ve found the faculty to be supportive and approachable. I highly recommend reaching out to program leads before applying, they can give you practical details that may not be obvious on the course homepage, like term start and end dates, which is really helpful if you’re planning to travel home during breaks.

There are also multiple campuses at the University of Derby, so if you’re applying for accommodation, make sure to check where your classes will be held. That small step can save you a lot of commuting time!

Socially, being a postgraduate student means the age range among students is wider than I expected, which made making friends a little more challenging at first. But getting involved in societies made a big difference. I joined the hiking society, where I met some amazing people and had great experiences, I’ll even be serving as secretary next year. I’ve also joined the book club and plan to try the tennis society. The societies here are definitely one of the highlights of student life.

Overall, studying in the UK has been a rewarding challenge. I’ve grown so much both academically and personally. While there were unexpected moments along the way, I’ve found my rhythm. If you're considering studying abroad, I recommend researching not just the course but also the city size, student life, and support services, these factors really do matter.

And lastly, remember that it's okay to struggle sometimes. Even students who live close to home have a tough time adjusting, you’re making a huge leap by moving across the pond, and that takes courage. But it really is worth it in the end.

- Dana
 

As I reflect on my past year as a full-time MSc Sports Marketing and Media student at the Global Institute of Sport, I am filled with immense gratitude for the enriching experiences, personal growth, and professional development that this journey has afforded me.

I started at GIS in September after deciding to leave my career in teaching behind. My previous career was one I did not see a long-term future in and so I took time out and travelled the world to give me time and space to consider my options going forward. It was during this time I discovered GIS and the opportunities and services it offers. As soon as I started reading what the institute is about, I knew this was going to be the next chapter in my career.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my year was serving as the Course Representative. This role gave me the chance to engage closely with my peers, listen to their feedback, and liaise with faculty to enhance the student experience. It allowed me to develop leadership and communication skills while contributing to the positive learning environment that GIS is known for.

A standout highlight was my internship with GIS in Jamaica, working alongside the marketing department at Mount Pleasant Football Academy. This week-long placement offered real-world exposure and a hands-on approach to sports marketing in an international context. It was both eye-opening and inspiring, reinforcing my passion for the industry and broadening my global perspective.

Throughout the year, I was consistently impressed by the array of webinars with leading industry experts. These sessions not only deepened my understanding of current trends and challenges in sports marketing but also provided invaluable networking opportunities. From Premier League football CEO’s to major sports broadcasters, there were sessions for students with all different interests. In addition, the commitment of GIS staff to supporting us with coursework, career advice, and professional pathways has been truly commendable. Their dedication made a significant impact on my academic performance and career preparation.

As a student completing their degree remotely, the online learning environment was seamless and well-organised, allowing me to balance rigorous academic work with opportunities to connect and collaborate with students from around the world. Whether through group projects or casual discussions, the sense of community was always present.

Lastly, although I was unable to attend one myself this year, the chance to attend Global Summits is a unique experience that I would encourage any student to embark on. I hope to attend one next year as an alumni student, as it didn’t work out for me personally this year, but all who attend describe it as a once in a lifetime experience. These events offer unparalleled insights into the global sports industry and a chance to engage with thought leaders and peers on an international scale.

Overall, this year has been transformative. I leave the programme not only with academic knowledge but with practical experience, professional networks, and a renewed confidence in my future career in sports marketing and media.

- Dan
 

My name is Maria, I’m 25 years old and currently writing my master’s thesis in London. I started at SOAS in September, and received great help from Across the Pond throughout the entire process, both with the master’s application itself and other practical matters like the visa application and housing tips.

SOAS has been an absolutely fantastic university. I’m pursuing an international legal degree called an LLM in Human Rights, Conflict and Justice, after completing four years of law school at the University of Oslo. SOAS places a strong focus on colonialism and how it shapes power structures in the world, which has significantly broadened my understanding of international law. The professors are amazing - engaging, supportive, and excellent educators, and I genuinely feel like new connections are forming in my brain after every lecture.

London itself is an incredible city. I’ve never been anywhere as international, and my classmates truly come from all over the world. I’ve had the chance to try endless types of food from every continent, attend countless music events and stand-up nights, and I have the impression that you never run out of things to do here. The only downside I’ve encountered is that the city is quite expensive. Rent is high and the Norwegian krone has been weak this past year. I’ve managed this by getting a part-time job, as a student visa in the UK allows you to work 20 hours a week during term and up to 40 hours outside of term time. I work as a nanny for two of the sweetest and kindest children in London, which has been a wonderful break from studying a few afternoons a week (and it doesn’t hurt to be paid in pounds).

I’m actually enjoying London so much that I’ve decided to stay indefinitely. I’m applying for jobs while finishing my thesis and hope to get an offer before submitting. Without Across the Pond’s help before I moved, everything related to work visas would likely have felt incomprehensible and difficult, but since I’ve already gone through the visa process once and navigated the UK’s public bureaucracy, it all feels much less overwhelming.

I would warmly recommend studying here in London to anyone, and especially SOAS to those interested in social justice, politics, and international law. I’d also recommend reaching out to Across the Pond if you’re considering it—they’ll hold your hand through the whole process!

- Maria