AimHigher Magazine 2021

4. YOU BECOME
INDEPENDENT
After my semester in Berlin ended, I spent
the next 12 months working as an intern
at IPAG University in Paris. After living in
Germany, moving to France seemed a little
less daunting as I knew I could adapt to
new cultures. I began to enjoy the relaxed
and sophisticated way of French life and
learnt that nobody actually wore berets or
garlic around their neck, but they really did
eat snails! I now embraced the situations
I once found scary which was amazing for
developing my independence.
5. YOU HAVE THE
OPPORTUNITY TO TRAVEL
During my time working at IPAG Business
School, I had the opportunity to spend a
week in Morocco to work with Moroccan
high school students. Experiencing their
food, culture and seeing their beautiful
country whilst quad biking through a red
skied desert, was an incredible experience
that I will never forget.
6. YOU LEARN ABOUT
YOURSELF
Living a year in another country gives you
an experience which you can’t get as a
tourist. Immersing yourself in different
cultures allows you to see life from new
perspectives and you learn about your own
values and passions in life.
7. YOU GET TO MEET
NEW PEOPLE
New places mean new people! It has
been great making friends from different
countries, and it always helps to appreciate
a city when you can experience it with
the locals (side note: having friends
from around the world is great for cheap
holidays).
8. YOU CAN’T RELY ON
SPEAKING ENGLISH
EVERYWHERE
Growing up in England and being told
that English is the primary international
language, it felt safe to assume that being
multilingual was not essential. However,
my time abroad made me realise that
this isn’t the case: 75% of the world’s
population are unable to speak in English.
Being able to speak someone else’s first
language creates a deeper understanding.
Not every word or phrase has a direct
translation as each language has its
own idioms and expressions which are
fascinating to learn. It doesn’t matter if
you’re wrong; trying to speak in another’s
language is a sign of respect and people
will appreciate the effort.
9. YOU DEVELOP
TRANSFERABLE SKILLS
& CONFIDENCE
Upon return to my final year of university
in England, I was a new person. The skills
that came from studying languages had
given me a set of skills for life. Before
moving abroad, I was easily overwhelmed
when speaking to new people and in
new situations. Now, I am a confident
and resilient individual with strong
communication skills, knowing I can do
anything I put my mind to.
10. JOB OPPORTUNITIES:
“THE WORLD REALLY IS
YOUR OYSTER”
Having the ability to speak a foreign
language opens so many doors, but how?
There are more opportunities available
to you than just being an interpreter or
a translator. Since studying languages,
I have worked within a multitude of
different sectors, such as events and higher
education. Being multilingual shows you
have a valuable skillset and are able to
communicate with a wide range of people.
For international companies or small
companies looking to expand, this is an
essential skill and gives you an advantage
over other candidates.
Brexit may have left you feeling
discouraged to study a language, but don’t
let it! Now more than ever, UK employers
are searching for language speakers to
aid them in working with their European
customers now that they can no longer rely
on employing EU candidates as easily as
they have in the past. This simply means
there will be a surge in job opportunities.
13