Who we are

I am an undergraduate student at York St John studying Japanese, TESOL & Linguistics. Originally from Nottingham, I completed my A-Levels, a qualification in Hair & Media Makeup, and training in the culinary arts from Nottingham College. My intern role at the community language school involves assisting the school leads and language volunteers with administrative tasks which include ensuring that safeguarding measures are followed for children that join us.

Hi! I’m Leyah and I have studied Spanish for 7 years from GCSE up to A-Levels. I have previously worked with the Otermans Institute to develop English soft skills of students in schools and universities in Asia and the Middle East. I joined York St John University in 2021 and am studying for a BA in Korean, TESOL and Linguistics.

As a Sri Lankan-Italian linguist, I bring a unique blend of cultural diversity and linguistic proficiency to the world of languages. Holding a bachelor’s degree in French and Spanish from the University of Manchester, I have honed my language skills with a deep passion and commitment. Fluent in five languages - English, Italian, French, Spanish, and Sinhala - I possess a multifaceted linguistic repertoire. My academic journey at the University of Manchester not only equipped me with a solid foundation in French and Spanish but also instilled in me a love for exploring diverse linguistic landscapes. With a solid academic foundation, practical teaching experience, and a passion for continuous learning, I am eager to contribute my linguistic expertise to diverse professional settings.

I am a postgraduate student at York St John studying TESOL & Korean with an undergraduate degree in English and German Translation and Interpreting from the University of Salamanca (Spain). I am originally from Galicia, northwest Spain, I have been in touch with languages since a young age and have always found myself mesmerized by the linguistics and languages field. Throughout my studies and extracurricular lessons, I have been able to develop a wide range of language knowledge, being fluent in three languages – Spanish, English, and Galician – and with an intermediate knowledge of two others – Korean and German. I have now joined the Community Language School to pass on my knowledge and love for languages to all of the students who are passionate and keen on learning Spanish, as well as helping them learn about and, in some cases, reconnect with Spanish culture through a wide range of activities.

I am currently studying a BA in Japanese, TESOL and Linguistics at York St John University. Although I have lived in England for over 25 years, my hometown is a beautiful place in the south of Spain called El Puerto de Santa Maria where my community volunteering with children first started. On moving to England, I worked for 3 years as a Teaching Assistant and Spanish Teacher at my children's then primary school, Clifton Green. The fantastic feedback from this experience greatly influenced my interest in linguistics, how the language works and especially how language learning happens. As a volunteer in CLS I am looking forward to continuing to develop this passion to the fullest and learn through interactive engagement, promoting both the acquisition of language as well as an understanding of Spanish culture.