Name
Caroline Marston

Title of job:
European Information Officer

Subjects studied at A Level
English Language and Literature, French and Mathematics

University
University of Wales, Aberystwyth

Subjects studied at University:
BScEcon International Politics and Strategic Studies, MScEcon Strategic Studies and Research Training

Could you tell us more about the nature of the job outlining main tasks and responsibilities?
I manage Europe Direct Llangollen, which is a European public information centre. My job is to communicate European Union policies and information to the general public and to ensure that the general public can use me as a feedback mechanism to the European Union. My role includes organising events based around the EU, exchanging best practice with other Europe Direct centres across the EU and working with other centres on projects, carrying out research for the general public or partners on EU related subjects, organising workshops and presentations for interested groups, conducting European partner searches and working with the media.

You are studying Spanish. At what level?
I am studying Spanish at Open University beginners’ level

What motivated you to start learning Spanish?
In the second week of starting this job with Europe Direct, I was sent to rural Valencia to participate in an exchange of best practice with other Europe Direct centres from across Europe. I spoke no Spanish, and naively thought that my Spanish phrase book would get me through the week! I really struggled to communicate with the people, and on returning decided that I would learn Spanish. I felt ignorant that I couldn’t speak the language and frustrated that I couldn’t understand or communicate competently – I had no idea how to pronounce any of the words. Spanish is a widely spoken language, so I thought that it would be useful for me to learn it on a business and personal level, and it would open up more doors for me. I am hoping to take a few more language courses to improve my Spanish and my French, and then move on to more languages!

When tourists visit the UK, many will often speak good English and we just accept that everyone speaks English. I think that when we spend time in a country also, it is only polite that we make the same efforts to speak the native language. Understanding another language also shows us that other people are no different from us.

Do you foresee a possibility to speak Spanish within your job? If so, how?
Definitely. I already use French in my job to communicate with other Europe Direct centres via email, face-to-face or on the telephone, especially when working on a joint project, and I would like to think that one day I will be able to do the same with Spanish and hopefully other languages.

What is the best thing about learning another language in your opinion?
Well, you certainly get a sense of achievement from picking up a new skill. But more than that, it is exciting to be able to communicate with other people in a language different to my own. Speaking another language helps us to understand that the differences aren’t so vast between us all.

What would you say to those who are reluctant to carry on with their languages?
Learning languages is always a challenge, but keep striving on, even when it gets tough. The sense of achievements and the rewards of learning a language far outweigh the costs!