Alysia Hoe (19) and Jess Willson (19) who both enjoyed learning languages at Churcher’s College and subsequently went on to study languages at university were kind enough to do an assembly for the 5th and 6th form in November focusing on the breadth of career opportunties available to them as language graduates.  

From Churcher's College Alysia and Jess both went to Exeter University where Alysia chose to read Spanish and Portugese while Jess chose to study French and International studies. Both went on to achieve first class degrees!

During their dynamic and genuine talk Alysia and Jess spoke about their reasons for studying languages at university, their fears and concerns about doing so, as well the wonderful array of job opportunities and adventures being fluent in other languages has given them.

They described some of the joys and achievements only ever possible thanks to languages. Jess told those present of her experience speaking Italian to a lady on a bus and Alysia explained that she got great joy from being nominated as the group translator on a trek in Peru!

They were hugely encouraging to our students when they explained how frustration and worry about making mistakes can grow into speaking without having to think, being able to debate in class and even get as far as being able to understand subtle humour in a different language.

Alysia and Jess reminded the audience that having a second or third language gives you a freedom to travel differently, to build relationships internationally as well as bringing a new appreciation to the history and culture of a place. They both agreed that living abroad was an essential part of gaining confidence and really getting to grips with the language.

Jess and Alysia are now looking to work in exciting careers in PR and Law, and with the bonus of knowing languages they are both keen to take their careers internationally!

Alysia and Jess were honest about the difficulties they first encountered, but their overall message was loud and clear: 'it is well worth trying and to go for it!'

They have both grown in confidence and we wish them the very best for their future adventures!