After graduating in 2022 with a BA in Modern Languages (French, German, and beginner Spanish), Beth went to work in Spain.
I chose to study languages at Southampton because of the varied and flexible course structure. I liked the fact that the course combined language modules such as oral classes, writing and grammar, alongside a range of optional modules.
I was particularly attracted to the emphasis on gaining a deeper understanding of the culture, politics, and history of the relevant countries. I liked that the course encouraged students to pursue and explore what they were interested in.
Languages at Southampton are primarily centred around the beloved Avenue Café and Avenue Campus. The small class sizes and interactive nature of language learning meant that we formed a close-knit cohort. As classmates, we practiced speaking and learnt from our mistakes together. This friendliness extended to the lecturers and professors in the Modern Languages Department.
During my time at Southampton, I think I acquired more skills than I can mention or even identify. Among the most relevant skills are critical thinking, research skills, effective presentation skills and time management.
Living abroad
I studied at the University of Alicante during my ‘year abroad’, which was sadly cut short due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the circumstances, I had a wonderful time, improved my Spanish significantly, discovered a beautiful city and met lots of other students with whom I’m still in contact today.
After my short but sweet Erasmus semester in Alicante, I was left wanting more of Spain. So immediately after graduating I moved to Logroño in northern Spain to teach English in a secondary school with the language assistant programme INLAES.
I have just started my masters in Conference Interpreting at the University of Heidelberg in Germany and have been awarded a scholarship with the Konrad Adenauer Foundation.
My working languages are English, German and French; however, I am eager to add Spanish to the combination. My goal is to work as a freelance conference interpreter.