Title of job: Lecturer in English as a Foreign Language

Languages studied for A level: None

Languages studied at university: None (Now I really, really wish I had)

Where did you spend your year out?
I did not have a year out. I studied Spanish in Adult education classes for six months (one night a week) when I finished Uni. Then I spent a year working in Spain (Karaoke man, bar man and eventually Teacher of English).
I bought grammar books and spent hours doing the exercises so when it came to speaking, I could at least say a little.
Making that effort to learn Spanish enabled me to live and work in four different cities for five of the next ten years.

Do you think that the fact that you studied languages helped you to obtain this post?
I am a Lecturer in English as a Foreign language now and taking the time to learn a second language helps me in my job enormously. Understanding what is involved in grappling with a second (or third or fourth) language enables you to empathise with your students.

Could you tell us more about the nature of the job outlining main tasks and responsibilities?
My main job is to organise the English language classes to support and prepare international students for academic study at Glamorgan.

Do you use your languages frequently? If so, in which situations?
Spanish all time – with students from Spain and South America and also at home – my wife is from Colombia and if I hadn’t learnt Spanish, I wouldn’t have met her!

What other jobs have you done since leaving university?
See above

What is the best thing about learning another language in your opinion?
Learning a language enriches your life in lots of ways. For instance, you get to know potentially hundreds of people who, if you hadn’t made a little effort you would never be able to communicate with. You can also “see” another view of the world by understanding TV, newspapers, music etc in another language. When you travel and understand the language, everything is easier and more interesting.

What would you say to those who are reluctant to carry on with their languages?
Don’t give up. It does seem difficult at times, almost impossible but I see thousands of students each year who fight with English. However, they keep going and eventually manage to complete a degree or masters degree in subjects such as engineering or computing – all in a language which is not their mother tongue. It seems to me that learning language is something the human brain is more than prepared for – anyone can do it with a little effort and opportunity to practice!