What made you choose languages?
Like many school pupils, I looked at the subjects I was best at and enjoyed most in school in order to assess whether or not these would be a suitable degree choice for me. I personally feel that at university level, enjoying what you are studying is half the battle and a student’s happiness in their studies is vital, so do something you enjoy! Therefore, as I myself had an aptitude for languages, mainly French and Spanish, and loved studying both at school, I decided to take them on into higher education. Another reason I chose language learning is due to the fact that the job prospects within this field really excited me as a young person leaving school. The thought of being for example an interpreter or working with the United Nations and being able to travel all over the world communicating in different languages was thoroughly appealing to me as a school leaver, and still is now as I prepare for the 4th year of my degree. Languages can open so many doors in both personal and professional life and language learning is certainly not to be overlooked as a career option.
Which languages are you studying?
My foreign language is French, which I am studying as a Joint Honours degree with English Literature. During my first year of university, I also studied Spanish. What is great about studying languages at university is the fact that you get to learn so much about the history and cultures of other countries; it’s not just all grammar and vocabulary! Having an insight into life in other countries is very important, and with a course that incorporates languages, you are opening your mind to so much diversity that may not be available in other courses.
Why Strathclyde?
The reason I chose to study at Strathclyde is because the courses available were very suited to me as an individual. I knew I wanted to study languages, but as I also loved English at school I did not want to turn my back on that. Strathclyde gave me the opportunity to do both and I was able to combine my best 3 subjects, English, French and Spanish, which suited me perfectly! The course description itself highlighted to me that the language course seemed very innovative, with a very modern approach to language learning, which was a very important factor for me when choosing which university I wanted to study at. Also, the fact that Strathclyde is situated in Glasgow was an added bonus – this has given me such an amazing opportunity to live in such a diverse, vibrant, multicultural city that is just bursting with life.
Where are you going and what are you looking forward to about your year abroad?
I will be jetting off to Clermont-Ferrand, a city towards the Southern regions of France where I will be working as an English Language Assistant teaching in 3 secondary education establishments. The thing I am looking forward to most is having the opportunity to improve my conversational French, it’s one thing speaking French in a lecture or oral class, but it’s a completely different thing going over to the country and being immersed in the language! I am fortunate enough to have the opportunity to not only perfect the language, but spend a year exploring France itself and experiencing life in another country first hand, as well as discovering of all the different traditions and quirks of regions all over the country. I honestly cannot wait. If that’s not reason enough to do a language degree, I don’t know what is!