Category: Case Study

Hamburg has become more of a home to me than I could ever have imagined. Reflecting on the past year I have spent there highlights just how quickly the time has flown by since I arrived at Hamburg Airport, dragging a cumbersome bike box and far too many bags. I have immensely enjoyed the opportunity to study at the Universität Hamburg for the full year, supported by the John Speak Trust. The scholarship has enabled me to focus on studying and developing my academic abilities in a challenging environment, which has undoubtedly contributed to my dramatically improved German proficiency. Writing regular reports acted not only as a linguistic demonstration of my progress, but also as a diary and a way to keep track of the chaos that often ensued when I launched into each new month. Without these monthly check-ins and audio reports, it would have been more difficult to appreciate my progress and realise how comfortable I had become in my everyday German life. It is hard to understate how thankful I am for the Trust’s support.

Student life in Germany differs in surprising ways to what I was used to, such as when people spent comparatively more time on campus socialising and eating in the Mensa (cafeteria) together than they would in the UK. Studying with native speakers forced me to step out of my comfort zone every lesson, putting myself out there when answering questions and concentrating not only on what I was saying, but how I was expressing it. Giving hour-long Referats (verbal presentations) on complex topics in front of a class was nerve-wracking, yet hugely rewarding when I delivered them confidently. I never thought I would learn so much about niche German linguistic phenomenons, like the Teutschübende Gesellschaft of 1715, which promoted and discussed the usage of German in everyday and literary language. In addition to normal uni classes, I took an academic writing seminar and a C1 language class, both of which stood me in good stead to write a 15-page Hausarbeit (essay) at the end of the second semester.

Aside from the university, I joined the oldest rowing club in the world outside England, the Hamburger und Germania Ruder Club. Continuing with my rowing was important to me, as it acts as a good outlet from university and would give me shared interests with other Germans, something that I knew was vital to making friends. Attending the Club’s evening events and dinners offered opportunities to engage with important traditions specific to Hamburg and the Club, such as Labskaus (herring, mashed potatoes and beetroot, pickles and a fried egg), Grünkohlessen (cabbage and sausages), the Siegesfeier (awards evening/celebration of achievements), and the Kirschblütenfest Feuerwerk (cherry blossom firework display). Speaking German made it possible for me to talk to many people of varying ages, which definitely made the whole experience more enriching. Through rowing I got to go on trips across Germany and a two-week training camp in Italy with the Hamburg Performance Centre. It did feel rather absurd that I got to train with and compete against German U23 athletes, but this was as a result of organising and negotiating everything in German, which seemed to make people far more willing to accommodate me.

Over the course of the year I have made lifelong friendships and experienced how kind Germans are. Visiting Lisa and her family in Prieweg was a great insight into German family life. Going to the Hamburger Dom (fairground) and the Schlepperballett (large ships manouevreing around each other, mimicking ballet) with my Austrian flatmate Leonie was also lots of fun. Although I didn’t venture too far afield with my culturally enriching activities, one of my favourite trips was to the Treppenviertel (stair quarter) in Blankenese, because it was so peaceful and the buildings were beautiful to look at. Taking my parents to the Loki Schmidt Botanical Garden in Klein Flottbek was also a highlight. Overall, I have learned so much about Hamburg’s harbour and maritime history through numerous tours, walks, boat trips and museum visits. This fascinating, often underrated city has so much to offer. Inspired by this year and buoyed by the progress I have made with my German, I would like to move to Hamburg after I graduate, which I view as a clear sign that this year abroad has been a success.

A year studying in Beijing has been incredible.

Getting off the plane and walking into the late August heat feels like a lifetime ago – so much has happened since then.
This last year, I have had the privilege to study at Peking University (PKU), supported by John Speak Language Trust. I went out to China to improve my language skills and came back with so much more: memories, friendships, and a lot more luggage – I blame Taobao (internet shopping)!
I like to think that it was the jet lag was to blame. When I first arrived in China, I had to think hard about how to string a sentence together correctly. My vocabulary that existed outside the standard textbook was non-existent. Even simple tasks, such as ordering local dishes, were a challenge.

By the end of the year, although I cannot claim to be fluent, the Chinese language is not that merciful–I have come away with a much better feel for it. I have Chinese friends and rarely must use English with them. We also have many inside jokes when I have mispronounced a tone!
Beijing was a great city and a great place to start when living in China. Even in my last week, I was discovering new places. It was through exploring the city that I could practice what I had learnt in the classroom. The best conversations took place with a bowl of noodles or bao buns (steamed buns) at hand. You could tell that people were quite surprised when I started speaking Chinese, and that they appreciated speaking in their mother tongue, regardless of their English ability.

I have had so many opportunities, and it is thanks to the Trust that my experience has been so enriching. With the Trust’s support, I was able to travel extensively across China.

From an ice-festival in the north-east that was as cold as minus 25 degrees to a desert in central China, you do not need to travel far to experience China’s diversity. Highlights include attending a wedding and travelling to Yan’an to celebrate New Year’s with a Chinese family.

Now that I have returned home to the UK, I await the start of my final year at university. Some good advice that I have received recently is to bring back the year abroad with me. Since being home, I have cooked my favourite Chinese dishes, kept in touch with my Chinese friends and shared my experiences with friends back home.
Of all the countries to travel to, China is one that people sometimes hesitate to visit. But as the world becomes increasingly interconnected, communication remains vital. To be able to improve my language skills and experience life in Beijing has made me immensely grateful. I look forward to exercising my language skills and the future opportunities they will open up to me.

I can say it again. My time in China has been brilliant. I have a deeper understanding of China, a greater feel for the language and -through using it- new friendships. To anyone considering applying to the John Speak Language Trust, I very much recommend it. It is an incredible opportunity. It is a chance to learn more about yourself as well as another culture.

From starting in Shanghai and ending up in Taiwan, I am grateful to the John Speak Trust for supporting me in my language studies, despite the interruption and change of plans!

Coming back to where I spent my university year abroad two years ago, Taiwan, has been a fantastic opportunity. To think that when I last was here, I found speaking a full day in Chinese exhausting and frequently struggled to express myself. Now, after two semesters at the ICLP at NTU, I am confident in expressing my ideas and at a moderately fast pace! (Despite still getting a lot wrong). Had I known quite how long reaching this point would take, I probably would have chosen a European language, but I’m so far down this road I may as well Just Keep Swimming. Fortunately, I love it. It’s fun. And without Chinese I probably wouldn’t have the job in Hong Kong which starts this August. That’s a huge benefit of the trust, since one of it’s goals is to promote British trade abroad. I was luck enough to secure a final interview at one such company, and when they asked me about my language school, bringing up being a trust grant recipient and the goal of the trust probably contributed to showing my interviewers just how serious I am about staying in Asia, ideally with a language component in my future role.

Another great thing about coming back to Taiwan this time around is that I didn’t really feel like I needed to explore! Maybe that is boring, but it is a very small island and as I have already spent a year here in the past. I know my favourite places and actually that is just Taipei, so this time I was really able to focus on improving my Chinese and preparing for final interviews.

Language schools such as the ICLP also attract a great cohort. Although the majority were Ivy League Americans on their year abroad, there was also a strong contingent of professionals who were there to improve their Chinese and also their network. I met diplomats, people with great corporate jobs, and also people who were sent their by their companies to improve their Chinese for future expansion into Taiwan and China. Regardless of where they were in their journey, everyone had a great attitude, stuck to the immersive language pledge of only speaking Chinese in the building, and the great friends I’ve met I’m excited to meet eventually on their home turf!

My recommendation for anyone learning Chinese who is over intermediate level, is to ditch the flash cards and Anki! It’s such a red herring and sadly one that makes you feel you’re making such progress … when really you’re not! My reasoning is not just my own personal experience but also the recommendation from many of my teachers at the ICLP. If you do resort to flashcards, they should really just be for distinguishing similar words or start with one side showing the word, and the opposite side showing the possible compliments or conditions that are set on that word. So remember, Listen Listen Listen, Speak Speak Speak, and if you’re fed up of those, just Read Read Read…. Never waste your time on flashcards. Words learnt in isolation don’t support your 語感 (language sense).

Finally, thank you again to the John Speak Trust and Debra for all of the support. Even though I began my journey planning on doing a masters in Shanghai and ending up moving to a language school in Taipei so I could focus on applying for jobs, John Speak kept supporting my ambitions despite the convuluted route I took to realise them.

Thank you John Speak Trust! And if you’re a Chinese learner – I know the mountain feels never ending, but the places you’ll go if you just keep going are truly worth it in the end.

Now, I move to Hong Kong to start work – potentially impossible without the help of the Trust! Feel free to reach out. Happy studying!

I had the incredible opportunity to spend nine months studying abroad at the academically rigorous Complutense University of Madrid, taking classes in the Economics and Business Science Faculty.

It was without doubt one of the most intense and rewarding experiences of my life.

I’ve grown personally, linguistically, and culturally, and now that the year is over, I can hardly believe how fast it’s flown. I’ve grown so used to life here that returning home feels daunting, and I’m already experiencing the early signs of reverse culture shock.

Before arriving, I was apprehensive. The idea of attending lectures entirely in Spanish with native speakers, despite years of studying the language in the UK, felt overwhelming. But I knew the only way to truly improve was full immersion, embracing every challenge as it came. Now, Spanish no longer feels like a subject I study but a language I live in. It’s wild to remember how exhausting full days of Spanish used to be.

Academically, my classes gave me the chance to explore modules I’d never have been able to take back home. Studying economic policy, history, and international institutions through a Spanish lens gave me a fresh perspective on global issues. The teaching style was more lecture-based, with group presentations, oral exams, and continuous assessments rather than only a final exam at the end of the semester, and the requirements to pass were very strict. It was a big shift, but it helped me learn in a more collaborative and detailed way.

From the start, I chose to live in a flat with Spanish students, and it was the best decision I made. They were endlessly patient and welcoming, and helped me integrate both linguistically and socially. They became my second family. Through language exchanges and spontaneous encounters, I met people from all over, including Latin America, Europe, and beyond, who enriched my experience just as much as my university classes did.

Some of my fondest memories come from picnics in El Retiro, getting lost in the El Rastro flea market, chatting with vendors, and attending random pop-ups, celebrity events, and free concerts that gave me a real feel for Madrid’s community spirit. These everyday interactions were some of the best practice I could have asked for, especially in improving my listening and fluency.

Undoubtedly, this year wouldn’t have been the same if I had not had the support of the John Speak Trust.

These monthly blogs and recordings gave me a structured way to reflect and improve, while the financial means allowed me to say yes to experiences I’d have otherwise missed, from exhibitions and cultural events in Madrid to unforgettable trips to Toledo, Segovia, Granada, Seville, and Barcelona. Thanks to the Trust, I got to see Spain far beyond the classroom and truly experience life as if I were a Spanish person (images from left -> right: Granada, Seville, El Escorial)

Above all, from this journey, I have acquired a deeper appreciation for the Spanish language and a whole new perspective on life. To anyone considering applying to the John Speak Trust, I can’t recommend it enough. This year abroad has been transformative, and I leave Madrid with my heart incredibly full of memories, growth, and gratitude.

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As the saying goes: De Madrid al cielo, from Madrid to heaven. Once you’ve lived here, nowhere else compares.

As I come to the end of my time in Lyon, I marvel at how comfortable I am in my life here. I regularly catch myself slipping into the normalcy of daily life, and often remind myself how abnormal it actually is! For example, I sometimes go days without speaking English in person, whereas at the beginning of the year, having a conversation in French for more than 30 mins felt like a massive effort. I’ve got to attribute this progress to both the flatshare I was in and the internship I carried out, for which the financial support provided by the John Speak Trust was extremely beneficial. Unlike most of my university peers in Lyon, I found a private flat with three french girls, who have become my friends. Two of them don’t speak English, which thankfully forced me to speak French however tired or stuck for words I was. 

Starting the academic year at l’Ecole Normale Supérieure de Lyon, was a perfect way to start, since I met so many lovely people, both English and French, as well as other nationalities. The wide selection of sports, societies and social events meant I quickly became very busy hopping from one activity to the next (what I love most). Playing in the university orchestra was definitely a highlight, and a source of much learning. The lessons were challenging at times, since I’ve never studied subjects such as philosophy or history in English, let alone in French… However, fortunately the workload was fairly light, leaving me plenty of time to explore the city, often through the lens of coffee cups and pastry crumbs. 

After working through a fair amount of imposter syndrome at the beginning of my internship, I now find myself comfortably in the routine of commuting on the bus to the office, doing busy days filled with meetings, video shoots, and lunch breaks outside with my colleagues. These final months have been slightly quieter in terms of social plans, so I have been spending more evenings solo: cycling or walking around the park or the river, just soaking in the beauty of Lyon in the summer. 

In comes the big question: have I integrated into French culture? 

When I look back at the friendships I’ve made, it seems that integrating with people of my age was easy – seeing as students all over the world share a fairly common mindset, and social media leads to having similar cultural references. However, hindsight is a funny thing. In reality, it was quite difficult. The French I learned at school and university is not what the average student speaks. It took a while to adjust to their  slang and manner of speaking, as well as adapting my own language to sound less formal and more fluid. Now that I’ve mostly mastered the language, I am just a pack of cigarettes away from looking like a local when grabbing a drink on a terrace. Integrating at work was also quite tricky, since despite our cultures being relatively similar, throughout the few first months, the only things I could come up with to contribute at the lunch table were the differences between France and England. 

I have also been lucky enough to travel a bit around France, for instance I did day trips to Annecy, Geneva, and Grenoble. I also was able to stay for a few nights either with friends or flatmates, in Montpellier, Val d’Isere, and Paris. It’s safe to say that my railcard has been very well used, and I made some really lovely memories. Here are some photos taken on my film camera :

Fluency is such a difficult goal to measure, especially within yourself, but I am immensely proud of the progress I’ve made and I cannot express enough how gratifying it is to fully immerse yourself in order to master a foreign language. I am grateful to the John Speak Trust for allowing me to fully make the most of this experience, and I can’t recommend the initiative enough. 

My time in Lisbon has come to an end, and what an amazing 3 months in turned out to be. Firstly, I cannot thank the John Speak Trust enough for the scholarship I received. It was a big part of why my time in Lisbon was so successful. The money I received allowed me to really make the most of my time by fully throwing my heart into the Portuguese culture and experiences, as well as the chance to travel around Portugal to experience the different sides.

I had never visited Portugal before and went in with little to no preconceptions. Lisbon was an amazing city with the most incredible infrastructure and buildings. My route to work every morning was filled with different churches and castles along the way, and the view of the Belém Tower every morning was very special. I was very lucky to be able to get away most weekends to surrounding villages and regions for example Cascais and Sintra.

A big part of developing my Portuguese language skills was down to my living situation in Lisbon. Living with native speakers, but also sharing the host family with a friend from Angola meant I got the chance to experience a different style of Portuguese. I was able to pick up such important learning points at different moments. For example, the Portuguese radio that would play all day long, and the heated dinner discussions helped me understand a part of Portuguese that I do not believe I would have got by reading a book.

Moving abroad to work in another country was a scary experience to begin with, however I instantly felt at home in Lisbon. I was able to build up my confidence with speaking Portuguese and after a few weeks, was starting to interact confidently in most situations.

To anyone reading this I hope you get a chance to visit Lisbon and experience the widely underrepresented Portuguese culture. I could not have asked for a better experience and look forward to hopefully one day return.