Elize is studying history at Louis Pasteur University which was absorbed into the re-founded Strasbourg University in 2009.  She came to Leicester as a student on the EU-funded Erasmus programme and studied in the Centre for nine months. This meant that she did not have to write a dissertation but she was able take home with her a well-deserved Diploma in Urban History. 

The Erasmus programme enables 200,000 students to study abroad each year. If you would like to find out more about it then visit the European Commission’s website at http://ec.europa.eu/education/lifelong-learning-programme/doc80_en.htm.

Why did you choose the MA in Urban History?

I wanted to study foreigners in Medieval towns and spend one year in England.  My university has an exchange contract with the University of Leicester so this MA programme matched all my projects.
To study abroad in an English speaking country (which was my project), I had the choice between Trinity College in Dublin or University of Leicester. I spent a lot of time on both websites and the Centre’s in Leicester really made me want to come. I found the idea of a centre devoted to urban history really exciting and I wanted to meet the people who define themselves as “urban historians.”

How did you find out about the MA?

On the University of Leicester website.

What has been the most interesting aspect of the course and why?

The content of the courses itself was really interesting, particularly during the second semester (‘Colonial Cities’ and ‘Social Theory’).  Moreover, I think that the relationship between teachers and students at the Centre was very helpful. It helped me to learn and to feel involved in the Centre and in my studies.  I enjoyed the seminars too, the fact that we were a small group. The tea after the seminars enabled us to speak and exchange conversations about the seminar.

What has been the most fun aspect of the MA?

I had a lot of fun this year, and I would say that discovering the teachers’ and the students’ personalities was really interesting and fun because they were all unique.

What parts of the MA have you enjoyed the least and why?

The ‘Ancient to Modern’ seminar could have been better. The subject was chronologically too broad, in my opinion. [This has now been replaced with the module ‘Concepts in Urban History’.]

Are there any aspects of the MA which you would like to change?

I think that ancient and medieval urban history is missing in the Centre. Too much attention is paid to modern history. Some seminars about ancient or medieval history could help the Centre being more complete.

Are there any parts of the course which you feel will be of particular use for your future career choice?

I would like to be an academic and do research so I think that ‘Social Theory’ was particularly useful. More generally, I think that working in small groups as we did in seminars helped me improve my arguments and helped me develop analytical skills. The fact that the seminars were in English was really important for me as I now feel that I am able to do a PhD or work in an English-speaking country.

What is your most memorable moment at CUH?

Probably when I had my first essay back and I realised that I had not failed. Or maybe the day I stayed stuck in the computer room after 8pm and the alarm started ringing (it is very loud!!)

Do you have any ‘survival’ tips for future students?

Don’t be afraid to talk and ask questions even if you feel really stupid. And, if you attend Prashant’s seminars, you will probably have to fight to ask your question but it will be worth it. The answer is always interesting.

What’s the best cake Roey has cooked this year?

She cooked so much that I can’t remember all of them… The F’ing cake was good… I really like the one with lot of nuts.