Ann Marie Ekuban in the Manuscripts and Special Collections reading room, Kings Meadow campus (KMC)

Discover a new world of communication and possibility

What our students say about studying a new language

Learning Spanish


"Learning a language as part of my course opens up career opportunities. After graduation, I could work in abroad or the UK, or even work for a UK news outlet overseas, like the BBC.

 

The course allows me to shape the media and communication work towards the language I am learning, for example I've taken a Hispanic Cinema module, a Transnational Media module and last year I took a Spanish Literature module.

 

The Hispanic Studies side definitely complements the International Media and Communication side, they go together really well." – Pablo, Spanish and International Media and Communications Studies BA.


Learning Russian


"When I started learning Russian, I was a total beginner. I think that the most rewarding thing about learning a language is seeing the progress that I have made in such a short space of time.

 

I really like how small the Russian section is because it has allowed me to build relationships with all my lecturers and course mates. 

 

Russian and History is a very complementary degree. In History, I have had the opportunity to develop my essay writing skills and I have been able to utilise these skills during my Russian history modules. I am really looking forward to writing my dissertation where I can combine both my essay writing and Russian language skills.

 

During my first semester, I was also lucky enough to be able to travel to different cities, such as Tallinn and Tartu and to a beautiful island called Hiiumaa." – Kathryn, Russian and History BA


Learning French


"During my year abroad, I not only improved on my language skills, but also how to be resilient when things become challenging and stressful, and how to work as part of a team to get a job done.

 

In France, I spent three months working for Air France in their HR department in Toulouse, where I organised staff training sessions and hosted English classes. 

 

Then I began a different type of internship with a hotel chain called Madame Vacances, where I was able to work in a variety of roles and locations. Initially, I worked for one of the company's resorts in Arcachon, then I moved right to the other side of France to Chambéry to work in the company's head office.

 

Lastly, I went to work in one of the company's ski hotels in Méribel-Mottaret, just in time for the start of the winter season. My French language skills really improved over the last three or four months of my time in France.." – James, Modern Languages 


Cassie gives us the lowdown on what a year abroad is like for a languages student.

Cassie gives us the lowdown on what a year abroad is like for a languages student.

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Learning German with a year abroad

"I can speak a lot more fluently and spontaneously now. [You learn] a different kind of German in seminars compared to when you live with native speakers your own age, it's a lot more colloquial."

Open Day June 2022