Rich history, academic excellence, and global reputation
Why did you decide to study in the United Kingdom?
The United Kingdom had always attracted me for its rich history, academic excellence, and global reputation. The prospect of pursuing a master’s degree in England seemed highly enriching, both professionally and culturally. In addition, the University of Leeds —the institution I applied to— is renowned for its diversity of people and cultures. I knew that the friendships and professional connections I would find there would provide me with a global outlook and a valuable network.
How was your experience with FIDERH, FUNED, or other support?
To achieve my goal of studying at this university, I turned to different scholarships and funding opportunities such as FIDERH, SECIHTI, and excellence scholarships awarded by the university itself. Each of these sources of support was essential, and the guidance from Across the Pond proved invaluable in helping me identify and secure them.
What did you learn and what advice would you give?
My advice for anyone who shares the goal of pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK is simple: get informed, stay organised, and take it one step at a time. The opportunities to achieve your goals exist; it is a matter of finding them and daring to pursue them. The process can be competitive, but do not be afraid of rejection or of trying again. Remember that there are people with experience who are willing to guide and support you along the way to help you achieve the best results. By following their advice and ticking off your checklist step by step, you will find yourself living your goal sooner than you think.
- Ana
High academic quality
What motivated you to study in the United Kingdom?
What attracted me the most to pursuing a postgraduate degree in the UK was the high academic quality of the programmes, their shorter duration compared to those in Mexico, and the opportunity to gain an international experience.
Why did you decide to apply for a loan such as FIDERH or FUNED?
Studying in the UK can represent a financial challenge. The FIDERH loan offered me the possibility of having greater financial freedom during my stay in England, under accessible and flexible conditions.
How was your experience during the application and funding process?
At first, the requirements seemed numerous and overwhelming, but by staying organised, working ahead of time, and with the support of the advisors at Across the Pond, the process became much more manageable and everything gradually fell into place.
What fears or concerns did you have at the beginning and how did you overcome them?
My biggest fear was committing to repaying a loan, as I had never done so formally before. Although I had experience managing my own finances and credit cards, applying for a loan felt intimidating. However, I decided to thoroughly inform myself about both the loan and the living expenses in the UK, and to compare the available options. Thanks to my research and the guidance from Across the Pond, I confirmed that FIDERH was the right choice for me.
How did this support help you make your postgraduate studies a reality?
The financial support from FIDERH was truly invaluable. It gave me greater independence during my time abroad and the peace of mind to fully dedicate myself to my studies. Achieving what I have today would not have been possible without this support.
- Ana
Beyond the Degree: What the UK Taught Me
What the UK gave me was much more than a university degree.
I cannot put into words everything I learned during this year and how transformative it has been for my life.
To be honest, studying in the UK was never a dream of mine. I did not have the financial means, my English level did not make me feel confident, I had no idea how the application process for international universities worked, and, in short, I did not feel good enough to be accepted into a British institution. On top of that, I believed my academic and professional background was not competitive enough to stand out.
My journey began when I decided to start considering the idea of building my own business. I felt I lacked the courage to take that step and that I needed more preparation. That is when the idea of pursuing a master’s degree appeared, a way to fill that gap.
The possibility of studying in the UK came to me when I discovered that many universities offered scholarships for international students, not just tuition discounts. So I started applying to programs in both Australia and the UK. During that process, I received support from Across the Pond, who guided me so well that I ended up focusing all my efforts on the UK. In the end, I applied to four universities, all of them accepted me and all of them offered me a scholarship. I chose the University of Leeds because, besides being the highest ranked among the ones I considered, they offered me 50% off tuition fee and additional financial support for living expenses.
Those two scholarships made possible what once felt out of reach: studying in England. Now, one year later and about to finish, I can say with certainty that this experience has marked a before and after in my life. The master’s degree itself became just a bonus, in the best possible sense, because the real value was everything I experienced along the way.
I met incredible people, built a network I could never have imagined, lived through countless “first times,” improved my English, and most importantly, overcame personal insecurities that had been holding me back. I realized that my profile was competitive enough at an international level, and that I had been ready all along, even when I doubted myself.
I learned so much about myself that today I want to tell you something, especially if you are hesitating about applying for a master’s program: do it. I promise it will be one of the best investments of your life. Because if there is one thing that this year has taught me, it is that opportunities belong to those who dare to take them.
In conclusion, you are just one decision away from living one of the most meaningful years of your life. Give yourself this gift, because no one deserves it more than you. Do it for your past, your present, and your future self.
Wishing you all the best.
- Claudia
My Experience as a Student in the United Kingdom
For a long time, I dreamed of living abroad, and the United Kingdom had always caught my attention. I was drawn to its history, its culture, and, of course, the quality of its education. When I discovered the University of Leeds and reviewed the program of study, I felt it was exactly what I was looking for. However, even though I had the desire and the support of my family, taking that step was frightening. One of the reasons I hesitated to start applying to a foreign university was that I thought the application process would be too complex and time-consuming. That was when I came across Across the Pond, who guided me through the entire application process, answered all my questions, and gave me the push I needed to take the leap. Thanks to them, a dream that once seemed so distant became a reality.
Life in Leeds has been one of the most transformative stages of my life. Academically, I found professors who were very knowledgeable and always willing to help, as well as incredible opportunities: I participated in entrepreneurship competitions where I was a finalist, workshops, and projects that aimed to contribute to the university’s growth. But the most valuable part happened outside the classroom: I met people who became my family during this journey, friends from all over the world with whom I shared unforgettable moments. Thanks to them, I never felt alone. I learned that all it takes is being friendly and overcoming the fear of socialising to open the door to friendships that last a lifetime. Now, as I approach the end of this experience, I am certain that I will keep these friendships forever, and thanks to them, I will always have reasons to keep travelling the world.
Travelling within the United Kingdom was also a very special part of my experience: it was affordable and allowed me to explore different cities, landscapes, and traditions. I fondly remember the gatherings where each of us cooked something typical from our country; it felt like travelling around the world at one single table. At the same time, I had the opportunity to discover English culture up close: the kindness of the people, their openness to share, and the way they value their identity left a lasting impression on me.
From this experience, I take away an important lesson: in life, you have to be brave. Taking big steps is always scary, but it is those leaps that bring us closer to the future we want to build. Living in Leeds taught me that there will always be something new to learn and that the world is as diverse as it is fascinating.
If there is something I wish I had known before arriving, it would be the number of benefits we have as students: discounts on transportation, museum tickets, restaurants, and even trips. It would also have been helpful to know in advance about the social clubs and events organised by the university, as they are perfect for making friends from day one. As a Mexican in the United Kingdom, I discovered all of this little by little, but it would have been so useful to take advantage of it right from the start.
Today, I can say that studying in Leeds not only gave me a quality education but also memories, lessons, and a second family that I will always carry with me. It was the bravest decision I have ever made, and without a doubt, the one that has changed my life the most.
- Laura Susana
How to meet people and settle in Leeds
My journey to Leeds
“Keep moving forward, do not look back” were the words my father told me as I was saying goodbye to my family at the airport. Upon hearing that, my long-held efforts of not crying came crashing down. Although coming to do my master’s degree in the UK was a dream I had had for a long time, leaving the warmness of home was daunting. Looking at my dad, the man that never cried, with teary eyes, made me feel bittersweet. I knew that he was proud of me, and I intended to follow his recommendation. With a last hug, I embarked on a 12-hour journey to the city that would become my second home.
Since day one, the University makes it easy to meet people. The first friends I made were during the shuttle from Manchester to Leeds. Talking with each other, we found out that we were all master’s students from Latin America and coincidentally we were staying in the same residence.
We walked together at 9pm from the University to St. Marks accommodation. We were a little lost and carrying our luggage, but happy that we had found each other.
International Orientation Week
An unmissable opportunity to make long lasting friends is attending the International Orientation Week. Through the conferences, webinars, activities, and parties organized, you will meet people from all around the world. Don’t worry if you don’t remember all the details of the people you meet, because more likely than not, you will be seeing them in the next event. Take advantage of the closeness and familiarity that this week provides, to reinforce the initial connections you make. I would recommend keeping in touch through social media and don’t be scared to reach out!
Enhance your CV and your connections through societies
On the 23 and 24th of September, the Welcome Fair showcases many societies that both undergraduate and postgraduate students can join. Visit the stands at the fair, but also browse through the “Clubs & Societies” page to know the more than 300 groups you could be a part of. I joined the “Women in Leadership” society, where I could network with like-minded women, as well as benefit from events to improve my professional skills.
Additionally, there are “Give it a Go (GIAG)” events where you can join activities before deciding to join a society. Follow the clubs’ social media to know the dates where the GIAG will take place. I went to the LATAM Society’s social at the Eldon, which was a great opportunity to meet a community that made me feel close to home. At their next GIAG, we went to a nightclub with Latin music. Because of the society, I got to know many places relating to my culture around Leeds. I strongly recommend looking for the groups that bring you close to home, they will help you avoid feeling homesick during your study abroad.
I have no doubt that you will love your time at Leeds!
Although doing something out of your routine can be difficult, take advantage of all the events and activities that the University and the Union organize. Don’t be afraid to be part of communities you are familiar with, but also be open to learn about other cultures. You will soon find out, like I did, that Leeds is a very close-knit town that makes it feel you have known your new friends since forever.
- Sandra
