Katarina spent a month staying at the Trust’s highgate house in July 2023.

Being both an English teacher and a PhD candidate in English linguistics, my trip to London was an incredibly special experience. This journey was important not only because I finally got to explore the city I’d been longing to visit, but also, more significantly, due to the amazing opportunity provided by The Robert Anderson Trust. This opportunity allowed me to dive into research relevant to collecting important literature for my PhD thesis. My thesis delves into the interrelationship between lexical and grammatical aspects, with a specific emphasis on ingressivity in English and Serbian.

At the National Portrait Gallery

Libraries played a crucial role throughout my time in London. When I arrived, I registered at both The British Library and UCL’s library, dedicating considerable hours to collecting resources for my PhD thesis. UCL library has a unique approach, which fosters independent exploration of the books. This engaging concept of the library was new to me and I truly enjoyed it. Alongside my academic pursuits, I had the privilege of connecting with Professor Bas Aarts, an esteemed UCL English linguistics professor, who generously shared valuable insights for my future work.

At Shakespeare’s Globe

My primary motivation for going to London was my PhD research. However, I took advantage of the opportunity to explore the city and see some of the world’s most famous landmarks. One unforgettable moment was visiting Shakespeare’s Globe and witnessing an impressive performance of Macbeth. Besides London, I also made my way to Oxford and Cambridge, visiting their colleges. It was truly a unique experience.

Last but not least, my time at the Highgate residence significantly contributed to the feeling of home in London. I want to sincerely thank Mr. Howard Davies for his unwavering hospitality, kindness, and assistance, which greatly eased my time here. Importantly, his support went beyond the house itself – he played a key role in helping me register at The British Library and UCL library, and he also facilitated my connection with Professor Aarts. Additionally, I want to express my sincere appreciation to The Robert Anderson Trust for granting me the opportunity to come to London, conduct my personal PhD research, and gain access to invaluable resources that would have otherwise remained out of reach.

Thinking about my time in London, I find it to be a perfect blend of education and entertainment. Undoubtedly, I wholeheartedly recommend this experience to anyone seeking an enriching and enjoyable adventure.