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  • Natalie Smith: My First Two Weeks in Salamanca – September 2025

    After arriving in Salamanca on September 2nd, I had the opportunity to explore the city before my classes began in the Department of Filología, where I will take classes in linguistics and Spanish culture. I spent time walking around the city and admiring the historic streets and buildings. One of the highlights was visiting the University of Salamanca itself, founded in 1218, making it the oldest university in Spain and the 3rd oldest in the world. Whilst there, I went to search for the little frog on the university’s main building, which is said to bring good luck in your exam.


    I also went on a day trip to Segovia and Ávila with an Erasmus student tour group. In Segovia, I explored an 18th-century palace called the Palacio Real de La Granja de San Ildefonso, as well as Segovia Cathedral. In Ávila, I experienced la Fiesta Medieval, an annual festival full of medieval costumes, music, and street vendors selling food and traditional items, before enjoying a glass of Spanish wine.
    In Salamanca, it was the week of Feria y Fiestas, which are held to celebrate the city’s culture and traditions at the start of the academic year. This meant Salamanca had concerts in the Plaza Mayor every night including a performance of The Final Countdown by Europe as the closing event. In addition, there were cultural events such as traditional music performances, a display of giant ‘ghost balloons’ and fireworks to mark the beginning and the end of the festival.
    I attended welcome events for new students and even took part in a short interview which can be viewed on the University of Salamanca’s Instagram account, which was exciting to be part of. Overall, my first two weeks have been full of history, culture, and fun, and I am looking forward to starting my classes and learning more about Spanish language and culture.

    Después de llegar a Salamanca el 2 de septiembre, tuve la oportunidad de explorar la ciudad antes de que comenzaran mis clases en la Facultad de Filología, donde cursaré asignaturas de lingüística y cultura española. Pasé tiempo caminando por la ciudad y admirando las calles y edificios históricos. Uno de mis momentos favoritos fue visitar la Universidad de Salamanca, fundada en 1218 , lo que la convierte en la universidad más antigua de España, y la tercera más antigua del mundo. Mientras estaba allí, fui a buscar la famosa rana pequeña en el edificio principal de la universidad, que, según se dice, trae buena suerte en los exámenes.

    También fui de excursión de un día a Segovia y Ávila con un grupo de estudiantes Erasmus. En Segovia,exploré un palacio del siglo XVIII se llama Palacio Real de la Granja de San IIdefonso, así como la catedral de Segovia. En Ávila, experimenté la Fiesta Medieval, un festival anual lleno de trajes medievales, música y puestos callejeros que vendían comida y artículos tradicionales, antes de disfrutar una copa de vino español.

    En Salamanca, era la semana de Feria y Fiestas, que se celebran para conmemorar la cultura y las tradiciones de la ciudad al comienzo del año académico. Esto significaba que había conciertos en la Plaza Mayor cada noche, incluyendo una actuación de The Final Countdown de Europe como evento de clausura. Además, había actividades culturales como actuaciones de música tradicional, la exhibición de gigantescos ‘globos fantasmas’ y fuegos artificiales para marcar el inicio y el final del festival.

    Asistí a los eventos de bienvenida para los nuevos estudiantes e incluso participé en una breve entrevista, que puede verse en la cuenta de Instagram de la Universidad de Salamanca, lo que fue emocionante formar parte de esta experiencia. En general, mis dos primeras semanas han estado llenas de historia, cultura y diversión, y estoy deseando comenzar mis clases y aprender más sobre la lengua y la cultura española.

  • Grace Dawson: Die letzten Tage in Hamburg – September 2025

    Während der letzten Tage meines Aufenthalts wurde deutlich, dass meine Deutschkenntnisse spürbar verbessert sind. Neulich habe ich mich bei variierten Situationen fließend und ohne Zögern ausdrücken können, wohingegen ich am Anfang des Jahres mit diesen Fällen nicht vertraut war.


    Der auffälligste Fall trat beim Flughafen auf, als ich den Rückflug nach GB gemacht habe. Um mein Rennrad per Flugzeug zu transportieren, habe ich es in einem riesigen Karton verpackt und mit ganz viel Klebeband festgemacht. Als ich das Fahrrad zum Sperrgepäck brachte, wurde ich vom Angestellter angesprochen und befragt, was ich mit dem Karton machen wollte. Der Karton sei zu groß, auf das Förderband gelegt zu werden. Aus diesem Grund könne er nicht von dem Scanner kontrolliert werden. Ich müsse das sorgfältig verpackte Fahrrad auspacken und beweisen, dass ich nur erlaubte Sachen mitnehme. Nachdem ich mit dem Angestellter verhandelt habe, gab er mir nur widerwillig den Scherer und das Klebeband, da ich ein größeres Förderband erwartet hatte. Dementsprechend hatte ich kein Ersatzklebeband und natürlich keine scharfen Gegenstände dabei, um das Klebeband zu schneiden und den Karton wieder zusammenzukleben. Offensichtlich habe ich noch was über die deutsche Kultur zu lernen. Sonst lief die Kontrolle meines Sperrgepäcks problemlos und am Ende fand der Angestellter die Lage ziemlich amüsant, obwohl ich das ganze Auspacken etwas stressig fand. Allerdings konnte ich erstaunlich gut mit dieser Situation umgehen und habe auf die höfliche Anredeform geachtet, was mir vor einem Jahr in stressigen Fällen schwer gefallen hat.


    Noch ein Beispiel von meinen verbesserten Deutschkenntnissen wäre, einem Freund das Kraulschwimmen beibringen. Wir waren bei der Alsterschwimmhalle, die zu den besten Schwimmanlagen in Hamburg zählt. Obwohl ich mich für das Schwimmen beibringen begeistere, wird es immer noch schwierig auf Deutsch zu erklären. Immerhin betrachte ich diese Herausforderung als positiv und als Gelegenheit, meine Sprachkenntnisse zu testen und zu entwickeln.
    Zusammenfassend lässt sich sagen, dass die richtige Endung oder der Geschlecht eines Nomens mir mitunter manchmal fehlt, aber ich habe durch diesen Aufenthalts an Selbstbewusstsein gewonnen und ich glaube mehr an mich selbst.

     

    During the last few days of my stay, it became clear that my German skills had improved noticeably. Recently, I was able to express myself fluently and without hesitation in a variety of situations, whereas at the beginning of the year I was not comfortable with these situations.


    The most striking case occurred at the airport when I was flying back to the UK. In order to transport my racing bike by plane, I packed it in a huge cardboard box and secured it with lots of tape. When I took the bike to oversized baggage, an employee approached me and asked what I was going to do with the box. The box was apparently too big to be placed on the conveyor belt. For this reason, it could not be scanned. I had to unpack the carefully packed bike and prove that I was only taking permitted items with me. After negotiating with the employee, I was reluctantly given the scissors and tape, as I had expected a larger conveyor belt. As a result, I had no spare tape and, of course, no sharp objects with me to cut the tape and tape the box back together. Clearly, I still have something to learn about German culture. Otherwise, the inspection of my bulky luggage went smoothly and in the end the employee found the situation quite amusing, although I found the whole unpacking process a bit stressful. However, I was able to handle this situation surprisingly well and made sure to use polite forms of address, which I found difficult to do in stressful situations a year ago.


    Another example of my improved German skills would be teaching a friend how to swim front crawl. We were at the Alster swimming pool, which is one of the best swimming facilities in Hamburg. Although I am enthusiastic about teaching swimming, it is still difficult to explain in German. I saw this challenge as positive anyway and as an opportunity to test and develop my language skills.
    In summary, I can say that I sometimes miss the correct ending or gender of a noun, but I have gained self-confidence through this stay and I believe in myself more.

  • Case Study: Bryony Heaviside – La Belle Province 2024-2025

    My time in Quebec, Canada, has finally come to an end. After spending a few weeks back in the UK, I have taken the opportunity to reflect on what this experience and being a recipient of the John Speak Bursary has meant to me.

    Northern lights viewing
    Soaking it in at Montmorency falls

    Hands down the best year of my life!

    When deciding where to undertake my placement year, Quebec seemed the obvious choice. This province is full of infinite opportunities, allowing me to push my language skills beyond my comfort zone. Canada, being over 3000 miles from England and not having the reputation of being the cheapest country to live in, meant that I could not have embarked on this journey without the help of the John Speak Foundation. My time in Quebec has been an enriching and transformative experience, filled with opportunities for personal growth. As a recipient of the John Speak Bursary, I was fortunate to immerse myself in the vibrant community of Quebec, gaining valuable insights and skills that will benefit me for years to come.

    The bursary provided me with the financial support to undertake a range of activities—primarily focused on language acquisition and academic development. Developing my confidence in French was my primary goal during my time in Quebec. The John Speak Bursary enabled me to support myself financially while enrolled in an immersive language program. Through intensive classes and real-world practice, I significantly improved my language skills. Listening back to my audio reports each month, I can see a remarkable change in both my skills and confidence when speaking French. While I still have a long way to go, I am certainly now on the right track.

    Rodeo Mont Sainte-Anne

     

    Valcartier 2025

    In addition to language studies, I completed a work placement in a French school. I utilised my language skills to enhance my teaching of English. After gaining confidence in French, I even worked as a supply teacher for French subjects. While only part-time, this placement allowed me to develop my confidence and communicate effectively in a second language. From this experience, I have gained a Canadian family and friends for life.

    Thanks to John Speak, Quebec and these experiences will forever hold a special place in my heart.

    My Quebec family

    The bursary also supported my academic pursuits, one of which was to expand my knowledge of Québécois vocabulary. Upon arriving in Quebec, I was immediately struck by the strong Québécois accent. Twelve months later, I have compiled an extensive list of Québécois phrases that I use in my day-to-day conversations. Words like “niaiser” and “bébelle” are at the forefront of my mind, and I make a point of including a random Quebec word into my conversations whenever I can.

    Quebec City (my favourite place in Quebec)

    Moreover, thanks to the John Speak Trust, I was able to explore a vast range of places in Quebec. Traveling to new locations and experiencing different seasons brought countless opportunities for learning. For example, I used some of my bursary to buy a second-hand car, which led to many learning experiences—whether it was learning French car terms at the mechanic or seeking help and explaining the problem when I got the car stuck in the snow.

    Returning after a snow storm
    Me and the Bonhomme de neige

    I am immensely grateful for the John Speak Bursary, which made this incredible journey possible. Its support not only alleviated my financial burdens but also encouraged me to take risks and engage fully in this experience. Through this opportunity, I have developed language proficiency and cultural understanding and honed skills that will benefit me in my future academic and professional endeavors. The John Speak Bursary was a key element in my Canadian journey, allowing me to seize new opportunities, embrace challenges, and grow in ways I never imagined possible. As I work towards my career in international business, I carry with me the lessons learned and the connections made, inspired to work hard and continue learning.

    Merci mille fois! 😃

    Home ❤️

           

  • Bryony Heaviside: Road-trip au Nouveau-Brunswick! – August 2025

    Ce mois, j’ai fait un road-trip au Nouveau-Brunswick pour deux semaines. Le Nouveau-Brunswick est la province voisine du Québec, et c’est la seule province officiellement bilingue du Canada. À mon avis c’est une culture unique qui a un mélange d’influences françaises, britanniques et autochtones.

    L’heure du road-trip!
    Les panneaux de stationnement dans les rues au Canada, qui me rendent confuse. Flèches, feux clignotants, beaucoup de règles, vignettes de stationnement… Ark

    L’un des aspects les plus intéressants de mon voyage a été d’observer les différences entre le français acadien et le français parlé au Québec. Bien que les deux langues aient une base commune, il existe des variations notables dans le vocabulaire, l’accent et même la grammaire. L’accent vient de la communauté acadienne qui est l’une des plus vieilles et grandes communautés francophones du Canada. Quand j’ai fait une visite au musée Arcadian, j’ai appris que les Acadiens ont conservé de nombreux mots et aussi des expressions qui sont souvent considérées « démodées » par les Québécois. Au Québec, on utilise davantage d’anglicismes, par exemple « le fun » et « tires » (au lieu du traditionnel « pneu »). Cependant, bien que le Québec soit la province strictement juste en français, il semble qu’au Québec tout le monde utilise plus de anglicismes, malgré les efforts du gouvernement québécois. Je trouve super intéressant de voir comment les langues évoluent, surtout lorsque le gouvernement met en place des mesures et essaie de remplacer les mots anglicisés.

    Carte d’Acadie

    En voyageant à travers des villes comme Moncton et Caraquet, j’ai aussi eu l’occasion de visiter les villages acadiens et profiter de leur culture. J’ai également fait la connaissance de nombreux Acadiens qui m’ont partagé leur histoire. Malheureusement, j’ai eu besoin de retourner au Québec, et j’ai raté la fête de « Tintamarre », qui est célèbre le 15 août. C’est une tradition pendant laquelle les gens défilent dans les rues, en jouant de leurs instruments, revendiquant leur identité culturelle. Mais, j’ai pu voir beaucoup de vidéos et des photos des années précédents.

    Shediac, NB

    C’est effrayant de penser que dans moins d’un mois je quitterai ce beau pays, je suis tellement reconnaissante pour toutes les opportunités et les choses que j’ai pu apprendre et apprécier. J’attends avec impatience mes dernières semaines de retour au Québec, où je vais profiter au maximum de la nourriture et des sympathiques gens Québécoises.

    Hopewell rocks, NB

    This month, I went on a two-week road trip to New Brunswick. New Brunswick is neighbouring province of Quebec and is the only officially bilingual province in Canada. In my opinion, it has a unique culture that has a blend of French, British, and Indigenous influences.

    Les vues pittoresques

    One of the most interesting aspects of my trip was observing the differences between Acadian French and the French spoken in Quebec. Although both languages have a common base, there are notable differences in vocabulary, accent, and even grammar. The accent comes from the Acadian community, which is one of the oldest and largest Francophone communities in Canada. During my visit to the Acadian Museum, I learned that Acadians have kept many words and expressions that are often considered outdated by Quebecers. In Quebec, we use more anglicisms, for example, « Le fun » and « Tires » (instead of the traditional « pneus ». However, while Quebec is the province that is strictly French-speaking, it seems that in Quebec, everyone uses more English words, despite the efforts of the Quebec government. I find it fascinating to see how languages evolve, especially when the government implements measures and tries to replace anglicised words.

    Grottes marines de Saint-Martin

    As I traveled through cities like Moncton and Caraquet, I also had the opportunity to visit Acadian villages and enjoy their culture. I also met many Acadians who shared their history with me. Unfortunately, I had to return to Quebec and missed the “Tintamarre” celebration, which is celebrated on August 15th. It’s a tradition where people parade through the streets, play instruments and asserting their cultural identity. However, I did get to see many videos and photos from previous years.

    Fundy, NB (Un parc national)
    Fredericton, NB

    It is scary to think, in less than one month I will be leaving this beautiful country, I am so grateful for all for opportunities and things I have been able to learn and appreciate. I look forward to my final weeks back in quebec, where I am going to make the most of the food and friendly Quebecers!

  • Lauren Maslin: Case Study – Land of the Morning Calm: South Korea 2024 – 2025

    I chose to go to South Korea because I was fascinated by its history and very different culture than my own. I also believed that living there would be the best way to learn the language in its natural context, beyond the classroom.

    “Going to South Korea as a language exchange student showed me that challenges and difficulties shouldn’t hold you back. With patience, courage, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, it’s possible to achieve things you might never have thought possible.”

    Before going, I felt a little apprehensive because moving abroad meant saying goodbye to everything familiar and being apart from loved ones for a long time.  At the same time, I was curious about what I would learn whilst living abroad, and I was excited to meet new friends and travel to places I had never been before. I already knew a little about South Korea’s customs and culture through K-dramas and a local Korean church, but I was eager to experience these things first-hand.

    The first thing I noticed when I arrived was that everyone was speaking Korean. It seems obvious, but it immediately made me realise how different daily life would be and how important it would be to practise the language in real-life situations. Not only was the language different, but the food was incredible. From my previous travels, I had learned that food can build bridges across cultures and languages, and this proved true in Korea. I was invited out for dinner with some fellow students, and we had so much fun trying the side dishes, kimchi, bulgogi, and spicy tteokbokki. The final course was several rounds of singing in a local noraebang and a commemorative photo taken in a Korean style photobooth (the crazy hats, wigs and sunglasses were optional!) Sharing meals like this helped me connect with others and feel part of the university community.

    There were, of course, many differences in the culture of a Korean university compared to an English university. At my home university, I took a variety of classes, from workshops to lectures, and there was a lot of interaction between professors and students. Debates among students was encouraged. At the Korean university, the dynamic was different. I had to adjust to a more formal structure, where respect and hierarchy were emphasised. For example, I addressed professors using formal titles rather than their first names, which felt unfamiliar at first but taught me a lot about Korean culture and etiquette. Learning Korean in Korea was challenging, especially in fast-paced lectures but I improved by practising with classmates. studying in the peaceful university library, and a healthy dose of hopeful guessing! These differences helped me develop new academic skills and adapt to a learning environment very different from what I was used to. Learning in Korean was tricky, particularly in lightning-fast lectures,

    I spent time with classmates from all over the world, so Korean quickly became our common language. During breaks, we would chat in Korean, which helped me practise and improve my skills in a relaxed setting. Professors also organised field trips to help us expand our knowledge of Korean culture, providing further opportunities to use the language in real-life contexts. Through a language exchange, I made close friends with a few Korean students, who introduced me to their wider social circles. I am still in contact with them, and we continue to exchange languages. Building friendships and sharing cultural experiences was incredibly fun and rewarding, helping me feel connected to the university community.

    One of the hardest parts of living abroad is being away from familiar surroundings and support networks. Everyday tasks, like navigating a new city or understanding local customs, could feel challenging, and language barriers sometimes made communication exhausting.

    I quickly had to learn how to communicate in Korean, either by asking for help from my teachers or  by connecting with both fellow international students and local Korean friends. Facing these challenges helped me discover more about myself—how I handle uncertainty, what gives me resilience, and how curiosity and openness can turn difficulties into meaningful learning experiences. I even signed myself up for a K-pop dance audition which pushed me far out of my comfort zone and gave me an unforgettable experience!

     

     

    After a while, I found myself feeling comfortable living and studying abroad. I was surprised at how much confidence I had gained and how much my Korean language skills had improved. This experience showed me that challenges and difficulties shouldn’t hold you back. With patience, courage, and a willingness to embrace new experiences, it’s possible to achieve things you might never have thought possible. Living abroad helped me grow in independence, resilience, and self-belief, and gave me a deeper appreciation for learning in new cultural contexts.

     

    “Living and studying abroad for a year has had a profound impact on me. It has influenced the career I hope to pursue and changed the way I view the world.”

    Now that I have lived and studied abroad I feel more connected to global events, noticing not just what affects me locally but how broader issues shape people’s lives everywhere. This experience also taught me skills I will carry forward, such as adaptability, independence, and the confidence to step into new and unfamiliar environments. It showed me that taking opportunities, even when they feel challenging, can open doors to personal growth and future possibilities I might never have imagined.

    Reflecting on my year in South Korea, I can see how much I have grown personally, academically, and culturally. Living abroad challenged me, pushed me out of my comfort zone, and gave me experiences I will carry with me for life.

    I am deeply grateful to the John Speak Trust for making this opportunity possible—their support not only funded my time abroad but also inspired me to embrace the experience fully. Stepping into a new culture, learning a language, and meeting people from different backgrounds can be daunting, but it is also immensely rewarding. I would encourage anyone considering studying or living abroad to be courageous and just go for it!

     

  • Lauren Maslin- August 2025년 9월 언니와 즐긴 한국 관광 A tour of Korea with my sister

    요즘 모두 잘 지내고 계신가요? 어느새 여름도 어느덧 끝을 향해 가고 있네요. 저는 8월 내내 정말 바쁘게 지내면서 다양한 경험들을 하며 뜻깊은 시간을 보냈어요.

    먼저, 친구와 함께 부산으로 당일치기 여행을 다녀왔어요. 하루 종일 비가 왔지만, 오히려 그 덕분에 색다른 분위기를 즐길 수 있었어요. 벽화가 가득한 작은 마을을 천천히 걸으며 사진도 찍고, 바닷가에 앉아 조용히 바다를 감상했어요. 가장 기억에 남는 순간은 바다 위를 지나 작은 섬으로 가는 케이블카를 탄 것이었는데, 높은 곳에서 보는 바다가 정말 아름다웠어요. 이런 경험은 처음이라 지금도 생생하게 기억이 나요.

     

    이번 달에는 한국의 풍부한 역사와 문화를 더 깊이 이해하기 위해 여러 박물관도 방문했어요. 부산근현대역사관, 국립민속박물관, 그리고 국립중앙박물관을 다녀왔어요. 한국의 역사뿐 아니라 평범한 사람들의 풍습과 전통에 대해서도 많이 배울 수 있었어요. 특히 현대와 전통 두 가지 형태의 K-컬처에 관한 내용이 흥미로웠고, 시간이 흐르면서 어떻게 변화하고 발전해 왔는지 알게 되어 인상 깊었어요. 가장 감동적이었던 전시는 국립중앙박물관에서 열렸는데, 올해가 일제강점기에서 해방된 지 80주년이 되는 해라 이를 기념하는 특별 전시가 마련되었어요. 전시에는 정치 활동으로 투옥된 한국인들의 원본 사진, 주요 독립운동가들의 문서, 그리고 현재 한국에 현존하는 가장 오래된 태극기가 포함되어 있었어요. 현재의 자유가 얼마나 큰 희생 위에 세워졌는지 다시 한번 깨닫게 해주는 전시였어요.

    며칠 후에는 자주 만나지 못했던 제 언니가 한국에 놀러 왔어요. 함께 시간을 보내며 제가 좋아하는 장소들을 직접 보여줄 수 있어서 정말 특별하고 행복했어요. 어느 날 저녁에는 동대문 성곽길을 따라 걸었는데, 서울의 야경이 정말 멋졌어요. 반짝이는 도시의 불빛과 조용한 산책길이 어우러져 오래 기억에 남을 순간이었어요. 언니가 좋아하는 한국 드라마에 나온 카페에도 가봤는데, 그곳은 아늑하고 따뜻한 분위기였어요.

    언니와 저는 전통 한복도 입어보고, 한옥마을을 천천히 걸으며 마치 시간 여행을 하는 듯한 기분을 느꼈어요. 또 다른 날에는 한강 유람선을 타고 서울의 또 다른 모습을 감상했어요. 물론 맛있는 고기 구이도 먹고, 노래방에도 가서 목이 쉬도록 신나게 노래를 불렀어요.

    가장 신났던 순간 중 하나는 수원에서 열린 싸이 흠뻑쇼 SUMMERSWAG 콘서트에 언니와 함께 간 일이었어요. 싸이는 무대 위에서 언제나 에너지가 넘치고 공연도 화려해서 내내 분위기가 정말 뜨거웠어요. 게스트로 나온 g.o.d와 CRUSH도 멋진 무대를 보여줘 공연이 더욱 특별했어요. 콘서트가 끝날 때에는 아름다운 불꽃놀이가 펼쳐졌고, 모두가 함께 환호하며 여름밤을 즐겼어요. 이번 공연을 통해 언니는 처음으로 한국의 축제 문화를 경험했는데, 오래 기억에 남을 것 같아요

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    마지막으로 여행의 마무리는 삼척에서 했어요. 서울보다 훨씬 조용하고 평화로운 바닷가 마을이었어요. 해질 무렵에 도착해 해변을 따라 산책하며 노을을 감상했는데, 마음이 한결 차분해졌어요. 다음 날에는 현지에서 유명한 두부 맛집에 가서 갓 만든 따끈한 두부를 먹었어요. 부드럽고 고소한 맛이 정말 인상 깊었고, 평소 먹던 두부와는 또 달랐어요.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    곧 저는 해외 유학하면서 사귄 친구들과 그리고 제게 집처럼 느껴졌던 이곳과 작별 인사를 해야 해요. 이 장이 서서히 마무리되어 가지만, 앞으로도 탐험하고 나눌 것들이 많다고 생각해요. 지금까지의 경험에 감사하며 앞으로 이어질 여정도 기대하고 있어요. 그때까지 한국 문화를 최대한 즐기며 지내려고 해요~~~

     

    How has everyone been lately? Somehow, summer is already drawing to a close. I have kept myself really busy all summer doing all sorts of things.

    First, I went on a day trip to Busan with a friend. It rained all day, but that actually gave the trip a different kind of atmosphere. We strolled slowly through a small village filled with colourful murals, took photos, and sat by the seaside quietly taking in the view. The most memorable moment was taking a cable car across the sea to a small island – the sight of the ocean from such a height was absolutely stunning. As it was my first time having this kind of experience, the memory is still vivid.

    This month, I also visited several museums to gain a deeper understanding of Korea’s rich history and culture. I went to the Busan Modern History Museum, the National Folk Museum of Korea, and the National Museum of Korea. I was able to learn not only about Korean history but also about the customs and traditions of ordinary people. I found it particularly fascinating to see both modern and traditional forms of K-culture and to discover how they have changed and developed over time. The most moving exhibition I saw was at the National Museum of Korea, where a special display had been set up to mark the 80th anniversary of Korea’s liberation from Japanese rule. It included original photographs of Koreans imprisoned for political activities, documents from prominent independence activists, and the oldest taegeukgi extant in Korea. It was a powerful reminder of the great sacrifices upon which present-day freedom has been built.

    A few days later, my sister – who I don’t get to see often – came to visit me in Korea. It was really special and joyful to spend time together and show her some of my favourite places in person. One evening, we walked along the Seoul Fortress Wall in Dongdaemun, and the night view of the city was breathtaking. The twinkling lights of the city combined with the quiet walking path created a moment I’ll remember for a long time. We also visited a café that appeared in one of my sister’s favourite Korean dramas, which had a cosy and warm atmosphere.

    We tried on traditional hanbok and wandered slowly through a hanok village, feeling as though we’d stepped back in time. On another day, we took a river cruise along the Han River to enjoy yet another side of Seoul. Of course, we also indulged in a delicious Korean barbecue and went to a karaoke room, where we sang enthusiastically until our voices gave out.

    One of the most exciting moments was going to the Psy SUMMERSWAG concert in Suwon with my sister. Psy’s energy on stage is always incredible, and the show was spectacular, keeping the crowd buzzing from start to finish. Special guest performances by g.o.d and CRUSH made the night even more memorable. The concert ended with a beautiful firework display, and everyone cheered together as they enjoyed the summer night. For my sister, it was her first time experiencing Korea’s festival culture, and I think it’s something she’ll remember for a long time.

    We rounded off our travels in Samcheok, a much quieter and more peaceful seaside town compared to Seoul. We arrived at sunset and strolled along the beach, watching the sky change colours – it was such a calming moment. The next day, we went to a local restaurant famous for its tofu, where we enjoyed freshly made warm tofu. It was soft, nutty, and full of flavour – quite different from the tofu I usually eat.

    Soon, I’ll be saying goodbye to the friends I’ve made whilst studying abroad and to this place that has come to feel like home. Although this chapter is slowly coming to an end, I believe there are still so many things to explore and share. I’m grateful for all I’ve experienced so far, and I’m looking forward to the journey ahead. Until then, I plan to enjoy Korean culture to the fullest 🙂

  • Grace Dawson: Auf Wiedersehen Hamburg! August 2025

    Mit dem August kommt mein Jahr im Ausland zum Schluss, was mich gleichzeitig trauert und freut. Wenn ich an meinen Aufenthalt in Hamburg denke, stehen die vielen Freundschaften und spannenden Erlebnisse neben meinen verbesserten Deutschkenntnissen im Vordergrund. Ich wusste diese Chance vom Anfang an zu schätzen, auch wenn ich mich nie darauf hätte vorbereiten können, dass es so viel geben würde, das ich im Gedächtnis speichern möchte.


    Diesen Monat ging ich nach Möglichkeit an, so viel Zeit wie möglich mit meinen Freunden zu verbringen. Eine meiner besten Freundinnen, Lisa, lud mich am Anfang August zu ihrem Bauernhof auf dem Land ein, das sich im Westen von Bremerhaven befindet. Um diese Einladung als Trainingsgelegenheit auszunutzen, bin ich mit der Regional Bahn nach Bremen gefahren und von Bremen nach Butjadingen mit dem Rennrad gefahren, was ungefähr eine Distanz von 85 Kilometren ist. Zweimal hat es geschüttet aber mit Hilfe eines Nutella Brots und anderer Snacks schaffte ich die Strecke. Als ich an dem Freitag bei Lisa angekommen bin, fühlte es sich an, als hätte ich das Ende der Welt erreicht, oder den Rand der Karte in einem Spiel. Zwischen den Bauernhäusern wuchsen Apfelbäume in einem Obstgarten und floss ein plätscherndes Bächlein, das von einem Horizont zum anderen lief. Ihre Tante und Oma kamen für Tee und Mettbrötchen vorbei, da Lisas Großeltern in dem Bauernhaus nebenan wohnen. Lisas Mutter sorgte dafür, dass ich mich wohl fühlte, obgleich sie auch einen deutschsprachigen australischen Austauschstudent, Tom, zu Besuch hat.


    An dem Samstag sind Lisa und ich zwei Kilometre zu Fuß hingegangen, um ihr 33-jähriges Pony von seinem Stall zu holen und zu ihrem Garten zurückzubringen. Da konnte er sich richtig gut vollfressen und bewegen, auch wenn es die ganze Zeit geregnet hat. Am Ende des Tages brachten wir ihn wieder zu seinem Stall zurück. An dem Sonntag habe ich versucht, den Rasen zu mähen aber die Erde war nach dem Regen viel zu durchweiht. Das erholsame Wochenende hat es mir ermöglicht, mich auszuruhen und Lisa nochmal zu sehen, was mich sehr gefreut hat.
    Das Wochenende danach machte ich nochmal einen Ausflug in Richtung Blankenese, weil ich seit langem das Treppenviertel besuchen wollte und sowieso Lust auf einem langen Spaziergang hatte. Mit der S-Bahn kam ich auf der Spitze des Hügels in Blankenese an, dann fuhr ich die Straße mit meinem Fahrrad runter. Nachdem ich einen riesigen rot-weiß gestreiften Leuchtturm erkundet hatte, folgte ich dem Strandweg zu einem „römischen Garten“ und holte mir unterwegs ein Eis. Der römische Garten war mir etwas enttäuschend; nichtsdestotrotz gefiel mir die vielfältige Natur. Aufgrund der hervorragenden Sonne fuhr ich die 12 Kilometre nach Hause mit dem Fahrrad und dabei bewunderte ich die AirBus Fabrik und den ganzen Hafen.
    Nach diesen beiden Ausflügen fühle ich mich bereit, mich von der Hansestadt Hamburg zu verabschieden. Allerdings bin ich fest überzeugt, dass es nur „Auf Wiedersehen“ ist.

    August marks the end of my year abroad, which makes me both sad and happy at the same time. When I think about my stay in Hamburg, the many friendships and exciting experiences are at the forefront of my mind, alongside my improved German language skills. I appreciated this opportunity from the very beginning, even though I could never have prepared myself for the fact that there would be so much that I would want to remember.


    This month I made every effort to spend as much time as possible with my friends. One of my best friends, Lisa, invited me to her farm in the countryside to the west of Bremerhaven at the beginning of August. To take advantage of this invitation as a training opportunity, I took the regional train to Bremen and cycled from Bremen to Butjadingen, which is a distance of about 85 kilometres. It poured twice but with the help of a Nutella sandwich and other snacks I managed the distance. When I arrived at Lisa’s house that Friday, it felt like I had reached the end of the world, or the edge of the map in a game. Between the farmhouses, apple trees grew in an orchard and a babbling brook ran from one horizon to the other. Her aunt and grandma came round for tea and mince pies, as Lisa’s grandparents lived in the farmhouse next door. Lisa’s mum made me feel at home, even though she also has a German-speaking Australian exchange student, Tom, visiting.


    That Saturday, Lisa and I walked two kilometres to pick up her 33-year-old pony from his stable and bring him back to her garden. He was able to eat and exercise really well, even though it rained the whole time. At the end of the day, we brought him back to his stable. I tried to mow the lawn that Sunday but the ground was far too soggy after the rain. The relaxing weekend allowed me to rest and see Lisa again, which I was very pleased about.
    The following weekend, I made another trip to Blankenese because I had been meaning to visit the Treppenviertel for a long time and was in the mood for a long walk anyway. I arrived at the top of the hill in Blankenese on the S-Bahn, then rode down the street on my bike. After exploring a huge red and white striped lighthouse, I followed the beach path to a ‘Roman garden’ and grabbed an ice cream on the way. The Roman garden was a little disappointing to me; nevertheless, I liked the diverse nature. Due to the excellent sunshine, I cycled the 12 kilometres home, admiring the AirBus factory and the whole harbour.
    After these two trips, I feel ready to say goodbye to the Hanseatic city of Hamburg. However, I am firmly convinced that it is only goodbye for now.

  • Elodie Sparrow: Case Study – Over and out! – Beijing 2024 – 2025

    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.

  • New career opportunities

    Are you developing the foreign language skills of your staff?

     

    Does your company employ people who use foreign language skills on a regular basis?  If yes, do you know how many people have those skills?

    Which languages does your company use?

    Does your company give temporary placements to overseas students?

    Applications are being invited from British citizens following a career in international trade or services.  The scholarships enable the applicant to perfect a basic knowledge of a foreign language.  In recent years most applications have been made by those in education, but the funding is also available to those already in employment.

    Successful candidates would receive:-

    • A financial Award ranging from £500 up to £2,000 towards living expenses
    • Possible assistance with travel costs (up to £500) – individually assessed
    • An opportunity to improve language skills and learn new customs

    Further information about our Scholarships can be found here or if you already have an opportunity please post here

  • Grace Dawson: Der sonnige Juli

    Trotz der ermüdenden Hitzewellen konnte ich den Juli mit Hilfe eines Schwimmbad Besuchs und vieler Rennrad Tours genießen. Es ist ein glücklicher Zufall, dass das schöne Kaifu Bad sich ganz in der Nähe von mir befindet. Mit einem 50m langem Sommerfreibad, Winter-Außenpool und einem Hallenbad bietet die Anlage eine beeindruckende Auswahl an sportlichen Erlebnissen. Der Sommerfreibad verfügt auch über einen Sprungbecken mit 10m und 5m hohen Sprungtürmen, obwohl wenige Leute sich getraut haben, von dem 10m Sprungturm zu springen. Meine Mitbewohnerin und ich verbrachten einen entspannten Nachmittag bei dem Sommerfreibad. An dem selben Tag sind viele anderen Einwohner leider auf die gleiche Idee gekommen, sich in dem Sommerfreibad abkühlen zu lassen und zwischen den Menschen war der Rasen komischerweise auf dem Beckenrand kaum zu sehen. Allerdings deutet diese zunehmende Anzahl an heißen Tagen auf dem aktuell stattfindenden Klimawandel hin, was ein ziemlich ernüchternder Gedanke ist.


    Nichtsdestotrotz bin ich viele langen Rennrad Einheite auf dem Deich gefahren, wo man immer von einem starken Schiebe- oder Gegenwind begleitet wird, je nach der Fahrtrichtung. Hamburg ist zwar für ihren Mangel an Hügeln bekannt, aber der Wind ersetzt eine anstrengende Berg auf und ab Strecke. Um einer von unseren Freundinnen eine gute Laune auf ihrem Geburtstag zu liefern, organisierte ich eine Radtour nach Ratzeburg mit zwei Freundinnen, Stina und Lene. Aus unserer Trainingsgruppe bei dem Allermöhe Stützpunkt waren vier Frauen bei der deutschen U23 Rudernmannschaftsbildung erfolgreich und führen jetzt ein Trainingslager in Ratzeburg durch, dementsprechend war es unser Absicht, sie besuchen und hoffentlich etwas aufmuntern, weil fünf Wochen von ununterbrochenem Training sowohl die Seele als auch den Körper auslasten, insbesondere wenn man Geburtstag hat. Als wir nach knapp drei Stunden mit dem Fahrrad in Ratzeburg angekommen sind, wurde Stina von einer Biene gestochen. Teilweise fanden wir es ironisch, dass wir bis dahin die Reise überlebt hatten aber sie reagierte allergisch auf den Stich. Infolgedessen musste sie ins Krankenhaus, wo sie behandelt wurde und es geht ihr jetzt wieder besser. Die Hauptsache war, dass unsere Freundinnen in der Mannschaft sich über den Besuch sehr gefreut haben. Gerade geplant werden künftige Abenteuer, wobei wir hoffen, dass es nicht schon wieder zu einem Unfall kommt!

    Despite the tiring heat waves I was able to enjoy July with the help of a visit to the swimming pool and many bike trips. It is a happy coincidence that the beautiful Kaifu Bad is situated nearby my flat. With a 50 metre long outdoor pool in the summer, heated outdoor pool for the winter, and an indoor pool, the facility offers an impressive array of sporting experiences. The summer outdoor pool also has a diving pool with 10m and 5m diving platforms, although few dared to jump from the 10m board. My flatmate and I spent a relaxed afternoon at the swimming pool. On the same day many other Hamburg inhabitants unfortunately had the same idea to themselves off in the swimming pool and you couldn’t see the pool edge for the people. This increasing number of hot days, however, indicates the climate change currently taking place, which made for a sobering thought.


    Nonetheless, I have done many roadbike training sessions on the dike where you are always accompanied by a strong tail or headwind depending on the direction in which you ride. Hamburg is known for its lack of hills but the wind makes up and replicates uphill and downhills. In order to cheer up one of our friends on her birthday, I organised a bike trip to Ratzeburg with two of my other friends, Stina and Lene. Four women from our training group at Allermöhe Performance Centre were successful at the German U23 rowing team’s crew formation and are now doing a training camp at Ratzeburg. Accordingly, we wanted to visit our friend and hopefully cheer her up because five weeks of unbroken training takes a toll on the mind and body, especially if you have a birthday. As we arrived in Ratzeburg after just under three hours of riding, Stina was stung by a bee. We found it partly ironic that we had survived the entire journey until then but she had an allergic reaction. As a result, she had to go to hospital, where she was treated and she’s now doing better. The main thing was that our friends in the team were really happy about us visiting. Future adventures are currently being planned, where we hope that no more accidents befall us!