Melissa Ventura

Leeds International Summer School (LISS) has truly been life changing. I’ve always known that I wanted to study in the United Kingdom so I was really excited, but the experience has definitely surpassed all of my expectations.

I decided to try something different as to what I’m currently studying in my home university with the intention of broadening my perspective. I chose “The Path to Justice: Criminal Law and Legal Skills” and “Reparations for Historical Injustices” and they were the most well-rounded classes I’ve ever taken because they truly went beyond in-class learning. 

To start off, the teachers were very knowledgeable, supporting and genuinely willing to listen and learn from us. I was amused by the different opinions and outlooks that were touched on during our in-class discussions. The amount of diversity and nationalities within just one classroom allowed us to create a safe space to express ourselves and reflect on what we were being taught.

We also had the opportunity to go on field trips and visit museums with the intention of expanding our knowledge and looking at things from different points of view and in a more interactive way. I had the chance of visiting the Slavery Museum in Liverpool and taking a guided tour of the city, which has been one of the most memorable experiences I’ve had.

Although the academic side was incredible, what I’ve enjoyed the most about the programme has been without a doubt meeting new friends from all over the world. Being surrounded by people going through the same things you’re living makes it easier to relate to them and establish relationships that will stay with you forever. Everyone at LISS was very open-minded in getting to know everyone and by the end, we had made really great bonds with one another. 

Time is most definitely taken advantage of to the fullest. There were many activities throughout the programme, such as weekend trips and evening socials that contributed to us having a really good time and creating what now are very meaningful memories. Also, when we had any sort of free time, we dedicated it to friend group travelling and exploring new cities like Edinburgh, London, and Liverpool. We also enjoyed walking around Leeds City Centre and discovering new places, going to the gym, and even playing ping pong!

This experience as a whole has taught me a lot about me personally. It took me out of my comfort zone in more ways than I could have imagined and made me open up, be more independent and comfortable within myself. I’m more certain than ever that even though we may all come from different backgrounds, we all still have something common and a lot to learn from each other.

So if you’re considering of applying, do it, you won’t regret it!