A student who began learning Portuguese as a complete beginner has won an award recognising his outstanding achievements by writing poetry.
Jimmy Butler began studying Portuguese in October 2025 and, encouraged by lecturers to pursue his interest in creative writing, he started writing poetry, helping him develop his language skills while exploring Brazilian culture.
What was originally an additional language choice alongside his original degree soon developed into a passion, leading Jimmy to transfer to the Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies BA and opening up new perspectives beyond the classroom.
After my trip to Brazil, I am now exploring careers in international affairs, something which I never would have imagined before joining Leeds.
Less than a year later, Jimmy travelled to Brazil to study in a summer school alongside students from around the world. He also received the Best Portuguese Student Award, a national prize recognising outstanding achievement in Portuguese language learning.
Jimmy says the most valuable part of his experience has been the support he received from staff and fellow students.
"The support from the School of Languages, Cultures and Societies at Leeds is second to none in my opinion," he said. "When I first started writing poems and translating Brazilian song lyrics, my teacher, Carmem, would read my work outside of class hours and mentor me to improve my language skills.
"Studying Portuguese at Leeds has been such a great experience. The biggest opportunity I have had so far is attending an international summer school programme at the Federal University of Minas Gerais in Brazil.
"After my trip to Brazil, I am now exploring careers in international affairs, something which I never would have imagined before joining Leeds. It was such an eye-opening experience, and I had the privilege of studying at one of the most prestigious universities in Brazil alongside students from all over the world, who also quickly became some of my best friends."
National recognition
Sofia Martinho, Director of the Camões Centre for Portuguese Language at the University of Leeds said: "We are immensely proud of Jimmy and everything he has achieved in such a short space of time. His passion for Brazilian music and creative writing has found a new form of expression through Portuguese, and it has been wonderful to see his confidence and talent develop.
“This is not the first time that a Leeds student has won this prestigious award, but it is the first time we have nominated a first-year student on the strength of creative work in the form of poetry. For Jimmy to receive national recognition at such an early stage in his studies is an exceptional achievement and shows just how much can be accomplished through enthusiasm, creativity and commitment.”
Jimmy’s work earned national recognition through the Best Portuguese Student Award, organised by the Camões Institute in the UK and Channel Islands. The award is presented annually to the best first-year Portuguese student studying as part of a degree programme at a UK university.
Winning the award has also helped Jimmy build confidence in his academic abilities and highlighted the opportunities available through language study. Recognition at a national level demonstrates how students can develop skills and experiences beyond their degree programme.
Looking ahead, Jimmy is already thinking about his year abroad and the next steps in developing his Portuguese, building on opportunities that began with a beginner's language class and have since taken him across the world.
"I have always wanted to be a languages teacher, and while that is still a great option for me, I think my experiences so far have shown me that languages can really take you into any career path you desire," he said.
Further information
Image credit: Jimmy Butler
For media enquiries please contact the University of Leeds Press office via pressoffice@leeds.ac.uk.