LANGUAGE LECTURE BITES Studying a language at university

Studying a Language at University 1. Why study a Language? 2. Why study SPANISH? 3 How you can study a Language at University 4. What kinds of topics you can study? 5. Study abroad as part of your course 6. Jobs for Graduates with Languages

Why study a Language? 1. To be able to understand and communicate on a deeper level with people from different countries (lots of people speak some English but many do not speak very well) 2. To improve your job prospects (you will learn lots of useful skills, e.g. how to make presentations) 3. To travel (and reach more remote places) 4. To work abroad (maybe for an international company or organisation)

Why Study Spanish (i)? 1.Spanish is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world. It is spoken by 400 million people in many countries including: Spain Most of Latin America Parts of the USA, eg. California, Florida

Why study Spanish (ii)? 2.Spanish has the same roots as a number of other European languages for example French, Italian or Portuguese. If you know any of these you will already understand how the language is structured 3.You will be surprised to find out how many words you already know e.g. cafeteria, siesta, mosquito, tomato and chocolate

Why study Spanish (iii) 4.Some interesting places to visit and practise your Spanish which are not too far away, for example Madrid, Seville and the Mediterranean coastline (Costa del Sol) 5.Some interesting long haul places too such as Argentina, Mexico and Cuba

How can I study a language at University (i)? 1. ONE language in depth, e.g. Spanish, French, Italian 2. TWO languages: joint: Spanish and French major/minor: Spanish with French French with Spanish

How can I study a language at University (ii)? 3. You can take Language modules on your course to make it more international eg. pathways through degree courses such as: Business Studies with Spanish or French, Hotel and Tourism with Spanish or French, Law with Spanish or French (you might also study the different legal systems)

How can I study a language at University (iii)? 4. On some courses you may be able to choose a language module as an option : For example on courses such as: Media studies, Journalism, Economics, Politics, Education, Environmental Studies

What topics would I study on my language modules? Some examples of Spanish topics: Literature: Twentieth century women writers Latin American novelists Language: The history of the Spanish language (in Spain and Latin America) Business: The Spanish business environment Media/Cultural Studies: Hispanic Identities

Study Abroad(i) At a partner University British Universities have partner universities all over the world. On many courses you will be able to study abroad for one year or one semester You earn credits for the modules you take and they are fully recognised by your home University

Study Abroad (ii) Funding Students who attend a University in the European Union are entitled to a small grant from the European ERASMUS programme This is currently about 240 Euros per month (approximately £200.00) and helps with travel and accommodation costs. This is a “gift”. You do not have to pay it back

Study Abroad (iii) Work placements On some courses you can do a work placement for all or part of the time you are abroad. This improves your spoken and written language and gives you valuable work experience

Jobs for Graduates with Languages

Project Manager with fluent French Date posted : 11 February 2011 Salary: £45,000-£60,000 per annum + bonus Start date: a.s.a.p. Location: Surrey Sector: IT Type: Permanent Language: French

Conference Producer with French, Spanish, Turkish or Arabic Date posted : 9 February 2011 Salary: £25,000-£30,000 per annum Start date: a.s.a.p. Location: London Sector: Sales and Marketing Type: Permanent Language: French, Spanish – Catalan/Basque, Arabic, Turkish

Country Manager - Spain Date posted : 4 February 2011 Salary: £40,000-£50,000 per annum + bonus Start date: Immediate Location: City of London Sector: Sales and Marketing Type: Permanent Language: Spanish – Catalan/Basque

Demand Planner/Supply Chain- Italian/French/Spanish Date posted : 8 February 2011 Salary: £30,000-£37,000 per annum + bonus + benefits Start date: asap Location: Berkshire Sector: Secretarial and Admin Type: Permanent Language: French, Italian, Spanish – Catalan/Basque

Bilingual French and Spanish Business Development executive Date posted : 14 February 2011 Salary: €35,000- € 50,000 per annum + OTE Start date: a.s.a.p. Location: Republic of Ireland Type: Permanent Language: French, Spanish

Employment Type:Permanent Location: London, United Kingdom, /Abroad Salary:Excellent Languages: French, German, Spanish Wall Street Market Research - International Media Sales Executive