Sarah Modern Languages and Linguistics BA Honours
Choosing Newcastle
I chose Newcastle University because when I came on a visit day, it just felt right! I felt really comfortable in the city, the staff were helpful and the campus was great. It also helped that the course was exactly what I wanted. I was hoping to study French, Spanish and Linguistics, but most universities forced you to pick two of the three, or to have one as a 'major' and the other two as 'minors'. Newcastle allowed me to combine all three options equally.
Studying
My course is really interesting. I have a certain number of compulsory modules, then a huge list of modules where I can choose the ones that interest me most.
For French and Spanish, we have grammar lectures with the whole year group, and small seminars with about 15 other students where we work on speaking and listening.
For Linguistics, in first year we had a number of compulsory modules to introduce us to the basics, and then after that you can choose which area of the discipline interests you most and follow modules in that area.
University facilities
The Language Resource Centre is a library dedicated to language learning, and is an amazing facility. There are computers with language learning software, televisions where you can access channels in lots of different languages, and magazines, newspapers, videos, DVDs, tapes and more - all in the target languages. The Robinson Library is also really useful, especially at essay-writing time, and the staff are always helpful.
The Students' Union is a beautiful old building, the shop is really useful when you have forgotten something important and the Student Advice Services are really helpful if ever you have a problem about anything at all.
Living
Newcastle is an AMAZING city! It is small enough that it is easy to get around, but you will never run out of things to do! Plus, the nightlife is fantastic!
Spare time
In my spare time I play hockey for the university which is a brilliant way to meet people, and I also volunteered for the hockey club, so I organised matches and found umpires. I also go the Latin and Ballroom dance lessons occasionally. In second yearI also got a work placement with Students As Associates where I worked in a local school for 15 days, which was a really good experience. I also volunteered with Routes Into Languages – a scheme which tries to promote languages in schools.
Your future
I've started thinking about what I want to do after I graduate, but I'm still not completely decided. I'm considering taking a Masters in Interpreting, either at Newcastle or another university, but my year abroad has given me a real taste for travelling so I'm considering looking for a job abroad to gain experience and practice my languages.