Leeds Beckett University - City Campus,
Woodhouse Lane,
LS1 3HE
Joining the global village as a global ambassador
When I first arrived at Leeds Beckett University, I had no idea how quickly this place would become my home away from home. One of the biggest reasons for that was becoming a Global Ambassador. It is not just a title—it is an opportunity to become part of a vibrant, diverse community where students from all over the world come together, support one another, and create lifelong memories.
My name is Yi Mon and I'm going to share with you some stories from my journey and why being a Global Ambassador is something I recommend to any student looking to make the most out of their university experience.
A Warm Welcome: My First Airport Pickup
One of the first moments that made me realize I had joined something special was during my first airport pickup as a Global Ambassador. I still remember the excitement and nervousness on the faces of the new students as they arrived after long flights from countries all over the world. That was exactly how I felt when I first landed in Manchester Airport.
I met a student who was a bit anxious about starting her new life in the UK. We chatted on the way back to Leeds, and I reassured her that Leeds Beckett had an amazing support system in place. The relief on her face when she realized she was not alone was priceless.
A few weeks later, she came up to me at a welcome party and said, “You made that first day so much easier for me.” Moments like these make this role so fulfilling.
Welcome Parties: Making Friends from Every Corner of the Globe
Speaking of the welcome parties, let me tell you—they are an absolute blast! The energy is incredible, with students from different countries coming together, dancing, and sharing stories about their cultures.
That night, I met a student from America and found out she is from the same city where my parents moved recently. We bonded over telling each other's stories and those friendships have lasted throughout my time here. It is absolutely incredible to think that you can walk into a room of strangers and walk out with friends who share a similar experience, despite coming from completely different backgrounds.
Games Nights and Cultural Showcases: Fun and Connection
One of my favourite events has been our games nights. These are not your typical card games and board games—this is where different cultures come alive through competition and collaboration! I remember one night; we had a mix of traditional games from around the world. We played a South Korean game called “Ddakji” (where you flip paper tiles) and paired it with a classic British trivia round. The laughter and cheers as we all tried (and failed) to master new games were unforgettable.
Our cultural showcase is another yearly highlight, where students take the stage to share a piece of their home with everyone else. Last year, I participated in the Fashion Show where I wore my costume. Also, Myanmar Traditional Dancing with “Thingyan Festival” theme with my fellow Burmese friends. It was moments like these that made me realize just how lucky we are to be part of such a rich, multicultural community.
Trips to Explore the UK: New Friendships and Adventures
As a Global Ambassador, I have also had the pleasure of joining students on trips to explore the UK. These excursions have been some of the best experiences, not just because we got to see beautiful places, but because of the friendships that blossomed during these adventures.
One of my favourite trips was to York, a city full of history, cobblestone streets, and stunning architecture. I spent the day with students from Vietnam, India, and Philippines, and it felt like we were all on a mini holiday together. We visited York Minster, explored the old Viking ruins, and shared laughs over lunch in a cozy café. I still remember sitting by the river, sharing stories about our hometowns, and realizing how much we had in common despite our different upbringings.
Another unforgettable trip was to the Lake District, a place so picturesque it feels like you have stepped into a painting. We hiked up hills, took in the breath-taking views, and even rented a boat on Lake Windermere. Working with other ambassadors to ensure everything ran smoothly made me appreciate how much we support each other, not just in events, but in creating meaningful experiences for the students we guide.
Working Together: A Global Family
What makes being a Global Ambassador so special is the team you become part of. Working with staffs and fellow ambassadors has been such a rewarding experience. We come from all different backgrounds—there is someone from Italy, another from Turkey, and others from even more countries—but together, we work like a close-knit family. Whether we are brainstorming for an event or simply sharing stories from our own cultures, I have never felt more connected to such an amazing group of people.
I remember one ambassador who was from Greece taught me how to say a few basic phrases in Greek, and in return, I helped her practice some English idioms. Little exchanges like these, simple yet heart warming, remind me that being part of the global village is about more than just representing a university—it is about learning, growing, and sharing with each other.
Why Should You Join the Global Village?
If you are looking for more than just an academic experience at Leeds Beckett, becoming a Global Ambassador is a fantastic way to fully immerse yourself in our vibrant international community. You will get the chance to welcome new students, help them feel at home, and create lasting friendships with people from all over the world.
The events, trips, and day-to-day support you will give and receive make this role so much more than just a responsibility—it becomes part of your life. The bonds you form, the memories you make, and the sense of belonging you experience will stay with you long after you leave the university.
So, if you are ready for an adventure, if you want to be part of something truly special, I highly encourage you to join the Global Village. You will not only make a difference in other students' lives, but you will also be enriched by the experience yourself. I look forward to seeing you at our next event and sharing this amazing journey with you!
There is a whole world waiting for you here at Leeds Beckett University!
Yi Mon
Hello everyone! I am Yi Mon, an international student thrilled to be part of the vibrant community here at Leeds Beckett University. From Myanmar to Leeds, I am excited to explore new horizons, make lifelong connections, and immerse myself in the rich tapestry of academic and cultural experiences. I am on a mission to blend business brilliance with a dash of innovation, all while navigating the exciting twists and turns of my MBA journey here in the UK. Let's embark on this academic adventure together!
