Ruth's Story: Why I Love Studying a Language at University

When I was deciding which degree course to study at university, I was overwhelmed at how many different choices were available. However, the Spanish degree at the University of Chester really caught my eye.

When I first came across the degree, I assumed you would need an A Level in Spanish, which I did not have due my sixth form not offering this option. However, much to my surprise, there were two entry options available; beginners and post-A Level. From that moment, I knew I had to apply for the course. I tried so hard during my A Levels; I even focused my Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) on Spanish tourism.

Three years on, I am extremely happy I chose to study Spanish as my degree. I have absolutely no regrets. It has given me so many amazing opportunities; the main one being the chance to live and work abroad. During my experience of teaching English in a primary school in the province of Almeria, in a small rural town called Olula del Río, I gained so much confidence, life experience, and made so many new friends. Plus, working in a school made me realise that I want to work with children, and being able to communicate in a different language was such a beautiful thing.

Anyone who studies a language will know that when communicating in a second language, there are so many things that you notice. Your mannerisms may change as you learn to express your emotions in a different language, and you feel an overwhelming joy from being able to communicate with others from different cultures. Studying Spanish at the University of Chester has definitely embedded that within me. You get to learn the language properly so that you're able to speak with fluency, and you also learn the importance of grammar from either native speakers of the language or very talented linguists.

So, to summarise, studying a language at the University of Chester is a life-changing experience. The number of opportunities it opens up is amazing, such as jobs within translation, working abroad, teaching to future linguists, and the chance to communicate with people across the world. Being in an environment where others around you share the same passion also really helps; we all motivate each other to do well and there's no judgment on people's language skills. Although learning a new language can be stressful, it's so rewarding seeing how far you can develop, especially after living abroad. Now that I am coming to the end of my time at University, I will be leaving with so many happy memories and lots of confidence that it will lead me on to more amazing moments in my life, which I will cherish and hold with me forever.