Why Study a Language?

French

"Badly wanting to continue my studies of French (having done well at PES level), I enrolled at Flinders. After completing my Grad Dip Ed (Secondary), I entered the teaching profession, with a permanent posting. Countless student-directed 'petits déjeuners', camps, plays, excursions to 'culture rich' places, film trips, professional workshops, vast teaching experiences, as well as enjoying the 'créme' of a funded professional scholarship to St Etienne (France), eleven years on, I am still a passionate advocate of all things French".

Helen Ayliffe is currently teaching at Paringa Park Primary School, North Brighton.

"I did a Science degree with a double major in Computer Science and French. A few people thought I was crazy to be doing French - it "wouldn't help me get a job" - but my French subjects gave me plenty of skills that my other science subjects simply didn't cover: skills that have helped me in all aspects of my life, not just study and employment. We learned the French language by discussing topics such as the environment, fashion, films, politics and history, with particular emphasis on issues that were relevant to people living in France or Australia. Most surprising of all, I found my language skills particularly relevant to some of my computing work. In summary, I can only say that I had a great time studying French and am really thankful that I chose to do it."

Tiffany Rose Winn

Modern Greek

"I completed my Bachelor of Arts Degree at Flinders University in 1997 majoring in Modern Greek. Over a period of six months after completing my studies, there were at least two position for which I applied where I could use my Greek and they were in the areas of multiculturalism and social welfare. I was hired by the Federal Member for Hindmarsh who has a very large number of Greek-speaking constituents and it did not take long before I became very familiar with the local electorate. I am very glad that I undertook Greek Studies at Flinders University as it has provided me with a specialised area in administration and a face in the local community".

Esther Grigoriou

Italian

"My studies in Italian at Flinders University have given me the ability to speak and understand the language. I have been able to use this knowledge of Italian and apply it to my work. I am a solicitor and have provided legal advice and assistance to Italian clients. Experiencing a legal problem is testing for most people and being able to speak to a solicitor in Italian makes the client feel a lot more comfortable. As with learning any language you gain an understanding of culture. This is an important factor and skill that you are able to use in your social and work environments, not only with Italian people but with people of all nationalities".

David Ferraro, Solicitor

"I was enriched beyond measure in studying Italian, not only linguistically and culturally, but socially - several classmates became my friends and remain so ten years later".

Mary Combe, formerly Administrator, SA Writers' Centre

Spanish

"A strong background in a widely-used foreign language such as Spanish, particularly if accompanied by academic study in such areas as law, economics, commerce or politics/international relations, is the type of qualification most in demand from applicants for a foreign service career.

Language students have the advantage not only of their ability to communicate in another language, but also of understanding and knowing how to work with cultural differences from the outset of their career".

Susan Tanner, Australia's Ambassador to the Republic of Chile.

"It's possible to work as a journalist in Australia if you can't speak Spanish - but it's much more fun if you can. In a job where travel is frequent and communication is everything, a second language not only gives you a foot in the door but provides all sorts of unexpected skills once you are working".

David Penberthy, then Chief Political Writer, The Advertiser.