We are living in a fast-paced environment, globalisation is a major factor and cultural diversity is part of our identity - but in how far do languages play an important role in our lives nowadays?
I applied for the Social Policy language bursary in September 2019 to finance my intermediate Russian course. I had wanted to pursue my love of languages, and I knew that developing my linguistical career would be instrumental in whatever future field of work I find myself in. I was granted the bursary, helping me to study this important language with no personal expense.
I already speak good Spanish, but I knew that a stronger command of world languages would be important in the future social policy graduate market. The international nature of the future job market necessitates an ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ student trained not only in quality social policy teaching, but also in international languages. The teaching is high-quality, and I can already see my Russian improving. Small classes of around 8 students facilitate good learning and classroom rapport."
Taking Spanish through the Social Policy language bursary fund was a great addition to my experience at ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳. It allowed me to meet people and professors across the university, to undertake learning out of sheer curiosity, and to keep alive my dream of combining Social Policy and Spanish in my career one day. The ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Language Center is highly professional, and it was a massive privilege to be able to take the classes through a bursary amidst mounting debt from attending university. I think knowing a second or third language keeps us on our toes; it expands our horizon for traveling in an authentic way and our humility towards non-native speakers in any context. Highly recommend it!
After I finished high school in Germany in 2016, I travelled to Malaga to improve my Spanish and to get an insight into a different culture. The Andalusian city became my second home for six months and the language school helped me to develop my language skills decisively. When I came to ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳, the Department of Social Policy informed me about bursaries for courses of the ÐÓ°ÉÂÛ̳ Language Centre. I decided to apply for it and was more than happy when they told me that I can participate in a Spanish Class. The class focuses on topics which are connected to culture and society and our teacher introduces us to new themes every week. It is always very interesting to learn new aspects of the Spanish culture and I can say that the course offered me the perfect opportunity to expand my own horizon on a personal and academic level. On the one hand, I am now able to speak more fluently and on the other hand, I enhanced my writing skills. I am looking forward to continue with this non-degree course. In addition to this, I am convinced that these language skills will help my in my academic future.