My time at LISS and the University of Leeds

In 2010, through my university in Baltimore, I studied abroad with the Leeds International Summer School. It was the first year of the program, and everything about it sounded fun -- the courses, the trips around the UK, and the chance to meet people from all over the world.

The program and the university far exceeded my expectations. The program's organizers were very friendly and did everything possible to make my time in Leeds as fun and rewarding as possible. I met people from a variety of countries, including Australia, China, the Netherlands, Japan, Italy, and more. It was my first time visiting the UK, and most of the others were in the same situation. Together we took a range of classes and went on trips around the country, all of which were amazing. We also had a great deal of autonomy to explore the city and experience its nightlife. As of 2014 I have seen and visited several of the people I met while in Leeds.

I loved Leeds and the university so much that I decided to go back for postgraduate study. From 2011-2012 I did a yearlong master's program and earned a degree in international relations. The program was fantastic, and the university is top quality. I traveled all around the UK and made trips to continental Europe while there.

I now live and work in Washington DC where I do research related to foreign policy. I plan on returning to the UK within the coming months. I highly recommend the LISS program to anyone looking to study abroad -- it is an incredible experience.