Journalism student Molly Paul, from Guernsey, is spending the 2021/22 academic year studying abroad at Saint Paul University in Ottawa, Canada. 

21-year-old Molly, who had to delay her study abroad year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, received £1500 from the University’s Inspiring Futures Programme to support travel and living expenses while studying in Canada. She landed in Ottawa in October, after organising her VISA to permit travel, accommodation, and study abroad modules.  

 Molly said: “I am so excited to explore a new country and meet new people especially after the year we have had, alongside developing my skill sets and knowledge. In addition, I am most looking forward to the opportunity to grow as a person through living abroad by myself before I graduate next year and start my career.  

“I am extremely thankful and thrilled for the opportunity to go to Canada, and part of this excitement derives from the financial support given by the University’s Inspiring Futures Programme as it provides me with exactly that – support. I feel secure to go to Canada and focus completely on my studies, while enjoying the year to the maximum.”  

She added: “University has been the best three years, but it goes by in a flash – I certainly was not ready to leave yet. With the study abroad programme, you can continue learning, growing and meeting people in a new place, while being supported by Leeds Trinity University.” 

Maia Sule, International Placement and Study Abroad Officer at Leeds Trinity University, said: “I’m absolutely thrilled for Molly to be going to Canada. Having had her dreams of studying abroad put on hold in March 2020, she has shown such admirable determination and resilience throughout these tricky times. Achieving a First-Class degree in Journalism and now getting to do the year abroad – she’s really made the most of the opportunities we offer at Leeds Trinity University and I am immensely proud of her.” 

She added: “Going abroad is proven to help with both professional and personal development and also adds a spark to your CV. We’re lucky that at Leeds Trinity all undergraduate students have the opportunity to study abroad during their course, and as international travel becomes more of a possibility, I encourage more students to take up study abroad.” 

The Inspiring Futures Programme financially supports students who want to study abroad or compete in elite-level sport alongside their studies, and recent graduates who want to develop their own business.  

Leeds Trinity partners with more than 30 universities across the world, with students who complete a year-long study abroad programme graduating with ‘International’ added to their degree. 

Visit the Leeds Trinity University website for more information about study abroad opportunities and the Inspiring Futures Programme.