Yunita Rosa Maria Fakdawer

How did you hear about the School of Education and why did you choose to study here?

I first heard about the School of Education through one of my lecturers in Pengayaan Bahasa (Language Training), who is also an alumnus of the School. She often spoke about her positive experiences and the quality of the education she received, which made me curious to learn more.

After researching the School, I found that it offered exactly what I was looking for to support my future career. The programme's international perspective, focus on educational development, and opportunities to engage with real-world educational challenges strongly appealed to me. I believed the School would provide both the academic knowledge and practical skills needed to make a meaningful contribution to education in the future.

Tell us about your course – why did you choose it? What elements of the course inspired you to study here?

I chose this course because I wanted to gain a deeper understanding of education from a global perspective and develop the skills needed to contribute to educational development in the future. What inspired me most was the course's combination of theory, research, and practical applications to real-world educational challenges.

One module that had a particularly strong impact on me was Education, Language and Society. It encouraged me to see language beyond traditional language learning and explore its relationship with society, culture, and identity. Through portfolios and projects, including analysing photographs and everyday social interactions, I learned to observe and understand language in a much broader and more meaningful way.

What was the best part of your studies – what did you enjoy the most?

The best part of my studies was the opportunity to connect theory with practice and engage with education on an international scale. A memorable experience was visiting UNESCO, the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in Paris, where I gained valuable insights into global educational challenges and sustainability issues faced by different countries. These experiences broadened my perspective and encouraged me to think more critically about educational policies and potential solutions to challenges facing education systems around the world.

I also really enjoyed my placement at the Language Centre. It gave me valuable insights into how students from different countries are supported and prepared in English before starting their academic programmes. Also, through this placement, I had the opportunity to participate as a speaker at the Language Centre Summer Conference, where I learned from other speakers, shared ideas, and built meaningful professional connections.

What were your career aspirations? Do you think the experience and skills you’ve gained here have helped you in your career plans? In what way?

My career aspiration is to contribute to educational development and help create more inclusive and effective learning opportunities, particularly in my home country.

The experience and skills I gained at the School of Education have definitely helped me move closer to these goals. The programme strengthened my research, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. It also gave me a deeper understanding of educational policy and international development, enabling me to approach complex educational challenges with greater confidence and a broader perspective.

Do you have any noteworthy achievements from your study at the School of Education that you can tell us about?

One of my most significant achievements was successfully collaborating with classmates from different cultural and professional backgrounds on various projects and presentations. Through these experiences, I developed strong teamwork and intercultural communication skills.

I am also proud of the research and project work I completed during the programme, as it allowed me to apply theoretical knowledge to real-world educational issues and propose practical solutions to existing challenges.

What was your experience of the facilities, the staff, your peers, the city of Leeds, and the Yorkshire region?

My experience was extremely positive. The facilities provided an excellent learning environment, and the staff were knowledgeable, approachable, and supportive throughout my studies. They encouraged critical thinking and were always willing to provide guidance when needed.

My peers came from different countries and backgrounds, creating a diverse and enriching learning community. Learning alongside them broadened my perspectives significantly.

I also enjoyed living in Leeds. It is a vibrant, welcoming, and student-friendly city with a great balance between urban life and green spaces. Yorkshire's rich culture, history, and beautiful landscapes made my experience even more memorable.

Are there any experiences outside of your studies that you have particularly enjoyed?

Outside of my studies, I enjoyed exploring Leeds, Yorkshire, and other parts of the UK. Travelling to different cities, visiting museums and historical sites, and experiencing local culture made my time here even more memorable. I also enjoyed meeting people from different countries and backgrounds, building friendships, and learning from their experiences. These opportunities broadened my perspective and made my international student experience truly rewarding.

Would you recommend the School of Education to others who are considering studying here?

Absolutely. I would highly recommend the School of Education to anyone considering further study in education. The programme offers a high-quality learning experience, supportive staff, a diverse international community, and valuable opportunities to develop both academically and professionally.

Studying here has broadened my perspectives, strengthened my skills, and prepared me for future career opportunities. It was a truly rewarding experience that I will always value.