Live Laugh Leeds

Well, where to begin. The exchange was single-handedly the best decision I have ever had during my time at UTS. It offered me the opportunity to solo travel all the way over to the other side of the world in the midst of their European summer to attend university. During my time at Leeds, I met so many wonderful people who I later went on to travel around Europe with and still see now back at home.

The Global Sports program offers an amazing opportunity to experience what it is like to live and attend university overseas without the usual stress that comes with doing a 6 month – 1 year exchange. Due to it only being 2 weeks gives you immense flexibility to do what you want with the rest of your time.

While at Leeds I undertook “Developing Leadership in Sport and the Outdoors” as my coursework. It had an extreme focus on group work and thinking outside the box. I was incredibly lucky with the subject that I had chosen as we were constantly out of the classroom doing interactive and engaging class work compared to some of the others whom I had met who were doing more academic subjects such as ethics and property management.

Throughout the continuous group work activities and multiple opportunities to implement what we had learnt into real-life scenarios. We also went on an excursion to Brigham Rocks in Leeds to try outdoor rock climbing. This was to test our communication and teamwork skills. While we did still have to complete assignments during our time there it was clear that the university prioritised the student’s enjoyment and engagement rather than just on results which was a refreshing take on what university is normally like. The coursework excursions as well as the social and cultural excursions that the university had organised meant almost every second day we were out off-campus getting to visit places around and surrounding counties.

I honestly can not recommend anything more than to go on exchange with the people that I met through my time at Leeds and will continue to be lifelong friends and I want others to have the courage to take that next step to travel and meet new people. The global shorts program is the best way to do so.

Charlotte Tate
UTS Business School
Business and Cultural Awareness: Bridging the Gap at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship Recipient