Ana Leticia Quintanilla Guerrero is 19 and from Tampico in Mexico. She is studying general English at English UK member Shane Global in Hastings before starting her university course.

What made you choose to study at Shane?

I wanted to be in a small town where I could move around easily and walk. Another reason was that it's on the coast and I love the beach. Also I think here I have a more relaxed life because it's a little town.

I've been to London many times and I imagine what it would be like if I had to take the train, or many trains, to school. I don't like that. Here I can walk on the beach.

I wanted to learn in the UK because I really love the British accent, and I love London.

Why did you want to improve your English?

I've finished high school and I am starting a course on agronomic engineering at university in Mexico. Later I want to do a Masters' in agrobio technology, which is about the
DNA of plants. I'd like to improve vegetables and plants.

English is going to be really important for me because many subjects will be taught in it. I am studying General English in Hastings and am here for four months.

Learning English is going to help me in my career and my life.

Have you done anything special in the UK?

I went to watch the Royal Wedding. I didn't see the Queen but I saw Kate and William and Harry and I enjoyed it very very very much! Everybody here who went loved it.

I liked the Army uniforms. And from the moment we arrived in London there was an atmosphere of happiness. You could feel it.

What do you like about studying in the UK?

I like that the school teaches us pronunciation. That's one of the things I love, British English. I think it's better than American English.

Is there anything you don't like?

I don't like the weather. It's very changeable. My host mum told me about spring and that it's very changeable and that it can be sunny and rain in one day. But it's not a problem for me. I enjoy studying here.

Has anything surprised you?

 I heard that some teenage girls here have babies and the Government gives them money.

Would you recommend learning English in the UK to your friends?

Yes of course. My father always said that if you can speak two languages it's like being two people.

Interveiwed by Susan Young (Susan@Englishuk.com).