JOE GOLDSTONE, German and Business, graduated 2003, now working in New York.

I work as Product Manager for Schick Technologies ...

"Having spent my third year working for Bayer AG, in Leverkusen, I left Aber with every intention of taking some time off then heading back to Germany to work. A change in personal circumstances saw me stay in the UK and stumble into the dental industry, working for a manufacturer of dental drill pieces in Gloucester. During my time there, I spent a great deal of time travelling to and working in the US - which meant long hours, but also the opportunity to meet my future wife in New York. I moved to New York in December 2005, and after 8 months of stress over work permit and green card and miserable temp jobs, I returned to the dental industry to work as Product Manager for Schick Technologies, a manufacturer of digital sensors for intraoral x-rays. My job involves ensuring that product produced by the company will fit into the dental surgery and meet the needs of dentists, as well as ensuring the company's sales team is properly trained. Schick is an off-shoot of Sirona, a large German dental company based just north of Heidelberg, which has provided me with opportunities to keep my German fresh (and somehow free of any American accent, which is more than I can say for my English) - while occasional visits to Germany and Manhattan's ecclectic range of German bars has kept me in touch with some level of the culture (and beer, Haxe and Schnitzel)." Wed, February 13, 2008

ANNA PATULLO German /Geography, graduated in 2003

I am now studying to become a German teacher....

I'm Anna Patullo and I studied German and Geography at Aber from 1999-2003. I chose Aber as it was one of the few places where I could combine German and Geography and the departments had a good reputation. When I visited there seemed to be a really friendly atmosphere and I loved it because it was by the sea. For my year abroad I went to a small town called Weinsberg in Baden-Württemberg where I worked in a Gymnasium (grammar school) as an assistant teacher. This involved up to 12 hours per week taking small groups of 11-20 year-olds for conversation classes and occasionally teaching whole classes. I chose to be an assistant mainly because I have always wanted to be a teacher and it gave me a good insight into that, but also the hours were reasonable and the pay was enough to live on. Only 12 hours a week in school meant that I had lots of free time e.g. for travelling. Before I went, I was really terrified - the only reason I went was because I knew I wouldn't get my degree otherwise! But I had an absolutely amazing year - undoubtedly the best year of my life so far. I look back and just smile! There were so many highlights of my year e.g.

* Getting into school on Dec 6 (Nikolaustag) to find my pigeon hole full of chocolate that had been left for me by my collegues; I really felt part of the community

* Climbing up to the top of Ulm cathedral, the highest church in the world, and looking at the amazing view

* Watching a beautiful sunset over Dresden with all the famous buildings

* Climbing up mountains in Austria in the snow during my Easter holidays

* Getting everyone I knew together at the end of the year for my goodbye party and everyone doing so much for me to organise it and realising how many friends I had made there (although I was very sad to leave).

As well as improving my German, I have a lot more self-confidence now because I know that I can go somewhere where I don't know anyone and make friends, look after myself and make the most of it. The experience has helped me realise that I can do anything I put my mind to. I travelled almost every weekend so I feel like I know a lot more about German culture and their way of life, which helped me in my final year at Uni. I also had time to just sit and think and I learnt a lot about myself and I feel like I've become a more rounded, content person. I am now studying to become a German teacher.

GLENDA INGHAM German/Spanish, Graduated 1997

Now, I'm a teacher of German, French and Spanish at ...

My name is Glenda Ingham and I studied German and Spanish at Aberystwyth from 1994 -1997. I chose Aberystwyth because of the friendly, approachable department and because of the location. I grew up in the busy city of Leeds and I appreciated living by the sea and being able to visit everyone on foot. During my year abroad I went to Costa Rica and to Germany. I spent the academic year studying Spanish and Latin American Art History at the university in San Jose, and at weekends and in the holidays I went to the Caribbean or Pacific coast! In Germany I shadowed a social worker, and in my spare time I went to local wine festivals and visited Berlin, Heidelberg and many other places.I was involved in voluntary work in primary schools and childrens' homes in Costa Rica. In Germany I worked in a residential home for adults with learning difficulties. I lived with native speakers . I chose this option because I always had the opportunity to speak Spanish or German at work and play! The highlights of the year were touring Central and Southern America by coach and air with a group of like-minded students I met from London : Christmas shopping in Mexico - Mayan style; Christmas Day at Atitlan Lake in Guatemala (we were roasting not the turkey!) and New Year's Eve in Quito, Ecuador.....The best days of my life!! The year abroad was beneficial in many ways. I experienced different cultures, climates and cuisine. I recommend that you take a "hands on" approach and try to work alongside some natives for work experience that is second to none.

Now, I'm a teacher of German, French and Spanish at Brigshaw High School near Leeds and I am the International Links and Exchanges Co - ordinator for the school. I would recommend Aber to others because you will receive excellent lectures and tutoring and you will make excellent life-long friends.

Katharine Ashton French/German, Graduated 2000

My experiences during the intercalary year

I was a student of French and German. I decided to be an assistant in France for my intercalary year and therefore had to find employment over the summer in Germany or a German-speaking country. At first, the thought of finding a job in Germany seemed daunting but there are in fact several options open to students, so please do not worry! Here are some suggestions: * Exploit any contacts that you have in Germany, i.e. ask your parents if they have any business connections abroad who might be willing to accept you for the summer. Ask penfriends maybe to send you local papers with job adverts. * There are a number of summer schools in Germany and Austria. Although they might be expensive some schools offer scholarships, and it might be worthwhile investigating that possibility. * Send a covering letter along with your CV to well- known companies, such as Coca-Cola and McDonalds. Perhaps they might be able to offer you work in Germany. Being a native English speaker has many benefits! * As for me, I applied to the ZAV (www.zav.de), which is a German organisation (a free service) for foreign students looking for summer work in Germany. I applied in January (the closing date is March) and there were only two forms to fill out along with a CV in German. Less than two months later, I received a proposal for a job and accepted straight away. I had an excellent summer! I worked as a shop assistant (in Spar) in a holiday resort called Kellenhusen not far from Hamburg. After spending a year in France, I found that I had forgotten many basic German words and so the whole experience not only helped me to "remember" all the vocabulary I had forgotten, but it also boosted my confidence (and my bank balance!). All the people with whom I worked were extremely friendly and helpful. The work itself was demanding, and I often worked long hours but at the same time, I met some very nice people and my knowledge of the German culture, as well as the language, improved. I would definitely recommend applying to the ZAV as they were quick and efficient with my application. However, it is important to bear in mind that you cannot be too choosy about the type of work offered to you.

RUTH MADDER French/German, graduated 2003

My name is Ruth Madder and I did a Joint Honours degree in French and German at Aberystwyth. The university appealed to me because of its links with universities abroad, which gives it a strong international flavour, and its wonderful surroundings: even in my final year there were new places undiscovered from where we could soak in the sunsets over the sea. As is compulsory for language students, I spent my third year abroad in order to work on my language skills and gain a real understanding of the countries’ cultures.

Heidelberg

Although Joint Honours students typically split their year evenly between the languages I was recommended to spend longer in Germany because of starting German as a beginner in the first year. I spent several months in France working as a waitress in Nantes, a beautiful and historical town in Brittany and finished my time off by exploring the east coast of France with a close friend. I left for Germany in September to spend a month at a language course in Frankfurt before moving on to start university. The course lasted four weeks and allowed me to make some great friends whom I visited through the year, as well of course as giving me more confidence in my then relatively beginner’s level of spoken German. Frankfurt itself is a great city for young people and students with many parks and gardens as well as plenty of modern chic clubs and bars aimed at the town’s young bankers. In choosing to study two semesters at Heidelberg University I knew there would be adequate opportunity to continue with French classes. I met many native French speakers too, as the university attracts an incredible number of foreign students, and in my final year I could see that my French hadn’t suffered by my spending more time in Germany. The University is linked to Aberystwyth through the Erasmus scheme, which gives grants to students and also permits a very open study programme. I took a practical course for example in theatre and also a seminar based course for second and third year interpreting students looking in some depth at aspects of French social and political infrastructure. However, considerably more beneficial than any pedagogic input for improving my German was without doubt the friendships I made. I was fortunate to know someone from Heidelberg whom I had met in Aberystwyth and through her I came to meet many other Germans who gave me a great deal of advice and help. These contacts brought me to find a part-time job in a café and move out of student accommodation into a newly renovated flat. Most importantly I was making friends with people other than those there through the Erasmus scheme and was introduced to German students who hailed from diverse backgrounds and all keen to nurture my interest in their culture and language. The year abroad assured me that I can be equally at home living on the continent as here in Britain and I fully intend to return there to work. And the improvement in both languages was such that I now feel truly confident using French or German in almost any situation; in the bank or with a lecturer and in heated debates with friends. Some of the people I met will certainly remain lifelong friends for me and I know I will always feel at home when I return to the towns I lived in.

Dr Jeremy Evas French/Welsh, Graduated 1995

Ers gadael Aberystwyth ym 1995 bum yn byw yng Nghaerdydd, yn agos iawn at lawer o'm cyd-fyfyrwyr yn Aber. Bum yn astudio ar gyfer PhD yn Adran y Gymraeg, Prifysgol Caerdydd ar bolisi iaith a chynllunio ieithyddol. Fe'i cwblheuais ym mis Hydref 1999. Ar hyn o bryd rwyf yn Ymchwilydd yn Adran y Gymraeg lle rwyf yn gweithio ar brosiect i ddadansoddi dwyieithrwydd yng Nghynulliad Cenedlaethol Cymru. Bu'r Ffrangeg a ddysgais yn Aber o gymorth mawr gyda'm doethuriaeth; roedd pennod gyfan ohoni yn trafod gwreiddiau'r wladwriaeth genedl, ac agweddau llywodraeth Ffrainc tuag at ei hieithoedd rhanbarthol. Bum hefyd yn dysgu'r Llydaweg yn ystod fy mlwyddyn dramor yn Roazhon/Rennes a St Brieg/St Brieuc, a dysgais yr iaith i oedolion wrth ddychwelyd i Gymru, a hynny yn Adran Addysg Barhaus Prifysgol Caerdydd. Hyd yn oed yn fy swydd bresennol byddaf yn defnyddio'r Ffrangeg yn rheolaidd, er mwyn cyfathrebu gdya chynllunwyr iaith yn Ffrainc a Brwsel, ac er mwyn ymchwilio polisiau seneddau dwyieithog yn, er enghraifft, Canada. Rwyf hefyd yn gyfrifol am ddysgu'r Gymraeg i ddechreuwyr yn Adran y Gymraeg, Prifysgol Caerdydd.

Since leaving Aberystwyth in 1995, I've lived in Cardiff, close to many of my Aber co-students. I studied for a PhD in the Department of Welsh, Cardiff University in Language Planning and Language Policy, which I completed in October 1999.

I'm now a research associate in the Department of Welsh, where I'm working on a project to analyse bilingualism in the National Assembly for Wales. The French I learned at Aber helped me immensely with my PhD, a whole chapter of which analysed nation state formation, and the attitudes of the French government to its regional language communities. I also taught Breton to adults at Cardiff University, which I learned during my year abroad in Rennes and St Brieuc.Even in my present job, I use French frequently, to communicate with language planners in France and Brussels, and to research into the policies of bilingual parliaments in, for example, Canada. I am also in charge of ab initio provision in Welsh at the Department of Welsh, Cardiff University.

ANDY LENNON French German and Spanish,Graduated 2000

My name is Andy Lennon and I was a student at Aberystwyth from October 1996 until July 2001. I studied in the Department of European Languages from 1996 until 2000, following the BA Single Honours in European Languages course, where I majored in French and German and took Spanish as a minor.

I went to university straight from school, having studied French, German and General Studies at A Level. I had always wanted to become a teacher and through my secondary schooling had realised that languages were to be my specialist area. The three-languages scheme was particularly attractive, as it would give me even more scope and employment possibilities later in life. It also meant a chance to learn yet another foreign language!

I chose Aberystwyth for numerous reasons. My German teacher at school had recommended it to me and I had heard of its reputation for quality of teaching. The prospectus also made it sound very attractive as somewhere to spend three or four years of my life, since I am not a city person myself and liked the sound of the small town (although Aber never feels small during term time!) down the hill and the sea! My first ever visit to the University and town proved what the prospectus claimed. I fell in love with it! Nice accommodation, a department with a wide range of modules and opportunities and a mixture of people from all over the world - what more could one ask for?

During my Intercalary Year I went to France and Germany. Predominantly, I was an assistant in Longwy, France on the Belgium/Luxembourg border. I taught English in the Lycée Alfred Mézières and made lots of friends whom I still visit today. My French improved drastically and my confidence grew to a stage where I would even use my French in class to help some of the weaker pupils understand English grammar! Following my seven months in Longwy, I moved to Emden in Germany where I spent two months, again as an assistant, in one of the town’s Gymnasien. Here I found myself taking full lessons and observing the German education system – during one English lesson (not organised by me) a pupil was talking about her pet dog and it suddenly arrived with the girl’s mother and was placed on the teacher’s desk at the front of the room – sehr interessant!

The course certainly benefited me in many ways: firstly, it gave me the language capabilities I had always wanted: to be able to go to France and Germany without a dictionary and do more than just get by. It also meant I could move to the next stage of my dream of becoming a teacher of Modern Foreign Languages at secondary school level. I applied for my PGCE course in teaching Modern Foreign Languages and was accepted without any problems. I now teach in a state secondary school in Berkshire. The school has recently been awarded Specialist Language College Status by the DfES and we will be teaching French, German, Spanish, Italian, Urdu and some other languages. My degree certainly helped secure my position and now at the school I am able to be used within the department almost wherever I am needed, slotting in around colleagues who cannot offer as many languages. At the end of my first year of teaching I was promoted within the department and am now responsible for coordinating the French exchange, amongst other duties. Obviously, this involves further use of my languages through contact with our partner school and various coach companies in France.

I would highly recommend the Department of European Languages at Aberystwyth to anyone considering studying languages
to degree level.

... bonne chance ...
&
viel Glück!

Belinda Cassidy German, Graduated 2000

I work in the translation department of a French pharmaceutical company....

While being an assistant in Germany I decided that I wanted to spend the summer there too. I ended up working as a waitress in a cafe on Foehr, an island near the border with Denmark. In finding work, it helps first to ask around. People may be able to put in a good word for you.

Illustrations: http://www.foehr.de/

A teacher at my school in Bad Bergzabern had been going to Foehr for 25 years, for example. In the end the teacher gave me the address of the 'Arbeitsamt' in Wyk, Foehr, which was very quick in sending me details of a job in the town which I would be suited to.
I then rang the owners of the cafe concerned and took things from there. There is a special job centre for foreign workers wishing to find employment in Germany, but it deals with jobs for the whole of Germany and thus it might not be possible to be too choosy. If you know which particular town or city you would like to work in, it might be a good idea to get in touch with their 'Arbeitsamt' directly, specifying what kind of work you would like. I feel this is a good way of going about finding work if you know where you want to work and what you want to do. If you have a specific company in mind, however, then it would probably be better to apply to them directly. Don't forget the necessary paperwork. Make sure that you are not paying any unnecessary tax; see what you can claim back. Be sure to have medical cover (which the employer normally arranges): ask for advice, though, before you leave the country, because there is a form similar to the E111 available, which should be useful. I would personally recommend working (though I would have to say that the time I spent as an assistant helped get my German to the standard required for the job - without that I might have had problems).

It was an intensive time, but well worth it -and not just for the language benefits.

STACEY REDPATH French/German/Spanish, Graduated 2003

I work for the Baptist church teaching English ...

My name is Stacey Redpath. I graduated in 2003 after studying European Languages here in this department. (French and German as my majors and Spanish as a minor subject).

Why did I choose Aberystwyth?

Firstly being able to study 3 languages at degree level isn’t an option offered in too many universities in the UK.

Europe is a fascinating and complex continent. At Aber I was able to study a wide variety of modules which gave me the opportunity to get to grips with many of the issues that Europeans are debating today, such as immigration, Ostalgie, and political change.

I liked the fact that the department is small and compact. The lecturers are friendly, approachable and easy to contact in case of problems. During my 4 years in the department felt like a valued part of my year group and not simply a name on a register.

Of course the beautiful town, gorgeous beach and highly active student life also gave me a push in the right direction!

My year abroad.

I spent the first 3 months as an au-pair in Rosenheim, Germany. A great way to acclimatise to the European way of life, but definitely not an easy option! From October to May I taught English in Angers, France. This prolonged stay of 8 months was a great opportunity to get really stuck into French life. I made some good friends and thoroughly enjoyed myself. However, my time in France wasn’t without its difficulties. Beware of French bureaucracy! I then returned to Rosenheim for 3 months to live with a family that had ‘adopted’ me during the previous summer and gave private English lessons to pay my way. I finished of my European adventure in Barcelona on an intensive language course. I came back to Aber with a new confidence, increased language skills and a very fat photo album.

What did I get out of my time in Aberystwyth?

Apart from the obvious high level of competency in my chosen languages I have also gained many transferable skills during my time at Aber. The in-depth study of language and its grammatical function has enabled me to learn new languages quickly and teach my own native language effectively. The year out gave me a new confidence in myself and an ability to adapt quickly to new cultures. Life wasn’t all study either! I made long lasting friendships, joined the canoe club, learnt to cook (sort of!), got involved with the local church, saw hundreds of beautiful sunsets and had far too many bonfires on the beach!

What am I doing now?

After leaving Aber I am now living in Poland. I work for the Baptist church teaching English and supporting young people in the inner-city area of Wroclaw.

Alison Oatey German/Education, Graduated 2001

I chose Aberystwyth because I wanted to study in a place that was not too large. Both the town and the Education and German departments had a lovely, homely feel about them and I immediately felt relaxed. Classes were informal, friendly and by no means intimidating. During my year abroad I went to a very small town in the north of Austria on the Czech/German border and spent the year as an English Language assistant. This involved working alongside the English teachers in the secondary school and assisting with conversation (as well as some written) English. I worked a maximum of 15 hours a week and had plenty of time to travel and become involved with local life.

I chose this option because I knew that I wanted to teach when I graduated and felt that it would stand me in good stead when applying for jobs. It was a fantastic year, far beyond any expectations I had and it's difficult to describe the highlights. Although I was worried about being in such a small place where I didn't know anyone, I couldn't have met nicer people and I've been back many times since to visit friends I made. If you take up people's offers of lunch and trips out, you'll reap the benefits as you become involved in community life and the life of the school. The year abroad changed me as a person, which sounds corny but it's true. I became much more confident in new situations and much more independent. Now, I'm a teacher in a small infant school in Lincolnshire and going into my second year of teaching and I am going to begin introducing German to the young children in the school! I have many happy memories of Aberystwyth and thoroughly enjoyed my time there.

Walking in Austria