Frankfurt

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. 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, then 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. 

Ruth Madder