About You
Full name:
Marco Rovati
Country of origin:
Italy
Course studied & year of graduation:
PGCE Secondary (MFL) – Year of graduation: 2025
What inspired you to study in the UK, and why did you choose Lincoln Bishop?
I was already working as a teacher in Italy, but I realised that I wanted to grow professionally and develop skills that the Italian university system does not always fully provide. At the same time, I was keen to experience a different educational system, to understand how it works and to reflect on its strengths and challenges, also by comparing them with the systems I was already familiar with.
I chose Lincoln Bishop University because, from the very first presentation and interview, it stood out for its ability to balance strong academic preparation with genuine human connection. I felt that the university sets a high standard in the way it supports and guides its students, which was exactly the kind of environment I was looking for.
Your Current Situation
If you have employment, what job do you do, and where do you work? Or, if you are undertaking further studies, what new course are you studying?
I am currently working as an MFL teacher in a secondary school in South East London.
What do you most enjoy about your job/your new course?
What I enjoy most is getting to know students from a wide range of backgrounds, building strong relationships with them, and seeing them grow in confidence, particularly in using the language. I find it especially rewarding when students become genuinely interested in languages and start making connections between the languages they already speak and the ones we explore in the classroom.
At the same time, being part of a supportive department that truly values both culture and teaching makes a big difference to my experience.
Finally, I appreciate the freedom to try new approaches in the classroom, as it allows me to be creative, reflect on my practice, and continuously improve as a teacher.
How has your Lincoln Bishop course helped shape your career or further studies since graduating? How have you applied what you learnt at Lincoln Bishop to your job/further studies?
My experience at Lincoln Bishop University provided me with a strong framework of knowledge that helped me understand the English education system, as well as the practical skills needed to manage everyday challenges in the classroom.
What I gained is something I often think of as a “secure deck of cards”: a range of strategies, approaches, and tools that I can draw upon and apply flexibly depending on the situation. Whether it is behaviour management, lesson planning, or adapting to students’ needs, I feel equipped to respond thoughtfully and effectively.
I have been able to apply this learning directly in my teaching practice, using these strategies to create engaging lessons, build positive relationships with students, and continuously reflect on and improve my work. This foundation has been essential in shaping my professional confidence and ongoing development.
Life at University
What are your favourite memories from student life at Lincoln Bishop?
Some of my favourite memories are the moments when I could share experiences and conversations with my course mates. Whether it was during breaks, on a night out, travelling together to schools for placement, or during sessions that gave us the opportunity to discuss and reflect, those moments helped build strong relationships that I still carry with me today.
What made the experience particularly special was feeling part of a community where everyone shared both the exciting and challenging moments of the journey. Having people around me who understood the same experiences created a strong sense of belonging.
How did your time at Lincoln Bishop influence you personally or professionally?
My time at Lincoln Bishop influenced me both personally and professionally. I made many meaningful friendships, but I also experienced a level of independence and autonomy within a university setting that I had never experienced before.
This helped me build my confidence and self-esteem, giving me a strong sense of achievement and satisfaction. It made me realise that I was capable of taking on the challenges of the teaching profession and that I had the skills and qualities needed to succeed.
What challenges did you face, and how did you overcome them?
At times, the course was challenging, especially when adapting to the English education system during my placement and trying to balance school responsibilities, academic assignments, and everyday life.
One of the things that helped me most was communicating with my course mates and colleagues. Realising that we were all facing similar challenges made the experience easier, as we could support each other, share strategies, and find ways together to maintain our motivation and achieve a healthy balance.
I also found it very valuable to have the opportunity to talk with my lecturers, the international officers, and other professional figures within the university. Knowing that there were people available to listen, guide me, and offer support made me feel part of a welcoming community and gave me the confidence to overcome challenges throughout the course.
Life in Lincoln
What were your first impressions of Lincoln?
I found Lincoln very beautiful, with a unique and almost romantic atmosphere. It felt like a place where I could discover and experience different aspects of English history and culture, with interesting places to visit and explore.
I also appreciated the fact that it was not a huge city. As it was my first experience living in England, Lincoln gave me the opportunity to explore and become familiar with my surroundings without feeling overwhelmed by the size and pace of a bigger city.
How did you find living and settling in the city as an international student?
Settling into the city was made much easier thanks to the support provided by the International Office. They gave us a clear checklist of things to do and helped us understand the practical steps needed to adapt to our new environment.
The most challenging part was adjusting to the small differences and nuances of a new culture. However, with patience, curiosity, and time, these became easier to understand and appreciate.
What did you enjoy most about living in Lincoln?
What I enjoyed most about living in Lincoln was its human scale. I loved the fact that I could reach almost anywhere by walking, without spending hours travelling or feeling lost in a huge city.
I also really appreciated the green spaces, the peaceful atmosphere, and the sense of balance the city offered. It was a place where I could focus on my studies while also enjoying a good quality of life.
Your Current Location
Where do you currently live (the name of the town/city)?
I currently live in Eastern London.
Do you enjoy living there?
I enjoy living here.
What do you enjoy most about where you live?
What I enjoy most about where I live is the balance it offers. It is a suburban area with many families, plenty of green spaces, and even a city farm with lots of animals, which creates a quiet and peaceful atmosphere.
At the same time, it is extremely well connected, meaning I can reach the busier areas of London in around half an hour by public transport. Everyday essentials and activities are also easily accessible within a short distance, and I am only about 20 minutes away from my school by bike.
More generally, I love living in London because it is a city that is always alive. There is always something to discover or something to do, regardless of the day or time, which makes it such an exciting place to live.
Advice for Future Students
What advice would you give to international students considering studying at Lincoln Bishop?
My advice would be to fully embrace the experience and be open to stepping outside your comfort zone. Moving to another country can feel challenging at first, but it is also an incredible opportunity for personal and professional growth.
I would encourage international students to make connections, talk to people, ask questions, and take advantage of the support available. The university community is very welcoming, and building relationships with course mates, lecturers, and other students can make a huge difference.
I would also suggest being curious and patient with yourself. Adapting to a new culture and education system takes time, but every challenge becomes part of the learning experience.
Is there anything you wish you had known before arriving?
Before arriving, I wish I had known that it was completely normal to feel overwhelmed at the beginning. There are many small differences to adjust to, from everyday habits to the way the education system works, and it takes time to feel fully comfortable.
I would also have liked to know more about the different nuances of the English education system and the many differences compared to the one I was familiar with. Understanding these aspects earlier would have made the transition smoother and helped me feel more prepared.
Luckily, the university now provides a booklet that students can use to access this kind of information before and during their studies. My advice would be to make sure you get a copy of it, and if you do not receive it, simply ask the International Office, as they are always happy to support you.
Final Thoughts
Anything else you’d like to share about your experience at Lincoln Bishop/your experience post-Lincoln Bishop?
My experience at Lincoln Bishop has been a very important part of both my personal and professional journey. It was not only a course that gave me the knowledge and skills needed to become a teacher in the English education system, but also an experience that helped me grow as a person.
Moving to a new country, adapting to a different culture, and building a new professional identity were all challenges, but they were also opportunities that made me more confident and open-minded. I am grateful for the relationships I built with my course mates, lecturers, and the wider university community, as they made the experience truly memorable.
Post-Lincoln Bishop, I have been able to apply what I learnt every day in my teaching practice, and I continue to carry with me the values of reflection, collaboration, and lifelong learning that were encouraged throughout the course. Looking back, choosing Lincoln Bishop was not just a step towards becoming a teacher, but a transformative experience that shaped the person and professional I am today.