Italian Conference Interpreting MA student Laura Pol Bodetto discusses her dream turned reality of moving to London to study a degree.
Why did you decide to study at London Met?
I decided to study at London Met because it offers a course that’s entirely focused on interpreting rather than a mix between translation and interpreting. Moreover, the Conference Interpreting MA at London Met is highly renowned, so passing the entrance exam was a huge success for me.
Why did you want to study in London?
I have always wanted to live and study in London, it has been a dream come true. I've always been very fascinated by this big and metropolitan city. The fact that you can go everywhere just by taking the Tube and that you can see so many people. You never get bored because there are so many events around the city that you can take part in.
How did you find it moving to another country?
It was not the first experience for me as two years ago I studied abroad. It can be quite stressful at the beginning because you are alone, you need to get to know everyone, even the people you're living with. However, it’s a rewarding experience and moving to another country opens your horizons. Once you go back home, you’re not the same – you really feel that you've grown up.
What has been your favourite part of your course?
My favourite part of the course so far has been the mock conferences that my teachers organise. You network with so many people, people that one day could be your employer and you can actually see if what you're doing is really what you want to do in the future.
What do you hope to do after graduation?
After I graduate, I hope to start working as an interpreter. I also want to enjoy the city as much as I can and remain in contact with my lecturers and course mates.
What would you say to an international student considering a degree with London Met?
Studying at London Met is an experience I will never forget. I have been through a heap of different emotions here... I remember the excitement of my first day of classes when I didn’t know what was ahead of me and who my classmates were going to be. The happiness of living in such a big and cosmopolitan city like London, the fear of my exams, the excitement and the gratitude when I received my exam results. I would define this experience as one of the best journeys of my life.
Keep in mind that it was not all fun and games, unfortunately COVID-19 forced everyone to stay home and to keep learning and practicing online. At the beginning I was quite frustrated and I kept thinking "is that it? Is my experience at London Met over?", but then I realised that London Met is more than just going to the actual university every day. London Met is a sense of community, friendships, all the amazing teachers and staff that I had the pleasure to meet and that I will keep close to my heart forever – I think that my experience at London Met will never really be over.
"I decided to study at London Met because it offers a course that’s entirely focused on interpreting rather than a mix between translation and interpreting. Moreover, the Conference Interpreting MA at London Met is highly renowned."