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  • Case Study: Jack Beeching – France, 2024 – 2025

    I can still remember my first morning in Paris. I was tired, having arrived late and spent the night in a cheap hostel, and anxious – not sure what I was doing there. I stood, in line for a pastry, clumsily rehearsing the words “un pain au chocolat, s’il vous plait”: desperate not to fail this first test of French. It had been a long time since my GCSE.


    Those first weeks felt like years. Everything was new: my master’s at Sciences Po and internship at the OECD started one day after the next. A week later I’d moved into my flat in the Maison des Étudiants de la Francophonie. I was surrounded by French, drowning in the language.


    This was the first time I’d ever lived abroad, and I was determined to squeeze as much from the year as I could. I signed up for an art history course at the Louvre, tried to learn to bake French-style, and said bought a cinema club membership. Especially in those early months, keen to make a good impression on my professors and colleagues, I probably overstretched myself: working late into the evenings; rising early for Sciences Po’s notorious 8am lectures. Even though my time was split between work and study, I stubbornly tried to give both my full attention.


    The Winter break in Nice with my parents was a great reset. My mum’s first reaction when I stepped off the train was something along the lines of: “You look terrible!” (thanks mum). She was right. I realised I’d been pushing myself too hard. Those two weeks by the sea (with a brief episode in the alps for New Year’s) changed my outlook. I decided to take things slower and be more deliberate about where I committed my time. More than anything, I wanted to actually build the French fluency I’d moved for.
    Back in Paris, I took steps to this end. There were still a few weeks before classes started up, and I filled the time with new endeavours. I signed up for extra French classes through my work (with a thematic focus on diplomacy), I took training for the marathon more seriously, and I stumbled through a few French novels. These habits served me well in the months that followed, which I look back on as the best of all.


    Most of the attached photos are from this period. They’re a collection of moments that are especially important, and for the most part, uniquely tied up with life in France. In no particular order: there’s me making macaroons, my friends on the beach in Normandy, the marathon finish line, the celebrations after PSG won the Champion’s League, two floating whales above the Cité, and the Canal Saint-Martin during fete de la musique.


    Through it all – those early, anxious months, and the later, joyful ones – John Speak helped me focus on what mattered most: the French. Putting together the monthly reports encouraged me to find new ways of expressing myself, which I carried over into daily life. It also made me reflect on what I’d been through, on the cool things I’d done and would like to do. The scholarship helped me get the best out of this year.
    I love Paris. If the opportunity comes up, I’d be glad to live here again. Either way, I know that French isn’t done with me yet. Pragmatically, working at the OECD and the conference in Brussels showed me that French is indispensable in the field I’d like to go into. But more importantly, learning the language in class then putting it to use in the evenings, was fun in a way that I can’t quite describe. I don’t plan on giving that up.

  • Bryony Heaviside: Le phare à la Renommée – July 2025

    Ce mois j’ai fait un voyage à la pointe à la Renommée, sur la côte de la Gaspésie. Ce phare est célèbre pour de nombreuses choses, principalement pour contribuer au développement de la communication marine. Quand j’ai fait ma visite, j’ai fait un tour en français pour découvrir l’histoire du phare. Le guide était incroyablement intéressant et m’a expliqué à quel point il avait été important à travers des années.

    Le phare
    La belle vue sur la mer

    J’ai appris que le phare a été l’un des premiers à intégrer ce système de communication de Morse. En transmettant des messages importants avec des signaux lumineux clignotants, ces signaux étaient reçus par les navires en mer grâce à un récepteur lumineux. De plus, le phare a fait  une grande avancée dans la technologie majeure qui a marqué un tournant dans la communication maritime. En utilisant une lentille de Fresnel, qui permettait aux phares de projeter une lumière plus concentrée (rendant les phares plus visibles), il permettait aux navires de communiquer même dans des conditions météorologiques difficiles. J’ai certainement appris beaucoup de faits intéressants et j’ai compris le rôle crucial que le phare a joué au cours de l’histoire.

    La lentille de Fresnil

    En outre, quand je rentrais dans ma ville, j’ai écouté un podcast québécois qui parle des films à venir. En tant que cinéphile, je me suis intéressée aux actualités récentes concernant Denis Villeneuve, cinéaste de la région de Trois-Rivières (une ville que j’ai visitée). Ça sera intéressant pour voir l’influence de son éducation québécoise sur son approche à une franchise emblématique comme James Bond. Avec ses films comme «Dune» je pense qu’il pourrait apporter une nouvelle profondeur au personnage de Bond. S’il inclut d’éléments culturels et visuels inspirés de sa ville de naissance, il pourrait revitaliser le film, attirant des nouveaux spectateurs. J’ai hâte de voir comment il aborde le film et j’aimerais vraiment qu’il tourne quelques scènes au Canada, notamment au phare. Je peux imaginer le prochain James Bond suspendu à une corde du haut du phare, puis disparaissant dans l’océan, pour ne plus jamais être revu. Ce serait vraiment cool!

    J’adore les road-trips!

    This month, I took a trip to the Lighthouse on the Gaspésie coast (known as Fame Point in English). This lighthouse is famous for many things, primarily for contributing to the development of maritime communication. During my visit, I took a tour in French to learn about the lighthouse’s history. The guide was interesting and explained how important the lighthouse had been over the years.

    I learned that the lighthouse was one of the first to incorporate the Morse code communication system. By transmitting important messages with flashing light signals, these signals were then received by ships at sea due to a light receiver. Furthermore, the lighthouse also made a major technological breakthrough that marked a turning point in maritime communication. By using a Fresnel lens, which allowed the lighthouses to project a more concentrated light (making them more visible), it allowed ships to communicate even in difficult weather conditions. I certainly learned a lot of interesting facts, and understand the crucial role the lighthouse played over the course history.

    Une plage sur la côte de Gaspé

    When I was returning to my town, I listened to a Quebecois podcast about upcoming films. As a film buff, I’ve been interested in the recent news about Denis Villeneuve, a filmmaker from the Trois-Rivières area (a city I visited). It will be interesting to see how his Quebecois upbringing influences his approach to an iconic franchise like James Bond. With his films like “Dune,” I think he could bring new depth to the Bond character. If he includes cultural and visual elements, inspired by his hometown, it could revitalize the film, attracting new viewers. I’m looking forward to seeing how he approaches the film and I really wish that he would shoot some scenes in Canada, especially at the lighthouse. I can imagine the next James Bond dangling from a rope, from the top of the lighthouse, and then disappearing into the ocean, never to be seen again…That would be so cool!!!

    St Flavie- Un petit arrêt pour la poutine. Poutine aux crevettes (À gauche) Guédille au homard (À droite)

  • Jack Beeching: La culture en France – July 2025

    Jusqu’il y a quelques mois, le gouvernement français versait 300 euros à chaque jeune de dix‑huit ans, sans poser de questions, à dépenser en billets de cinéma, de musée ou de théâtre ou encore en matériels artistique. Je me souviens avoir entendu parler pour la première fois de ce « pass culture » (qui a désormais été réduit à 150 euros) par des amis français à Londres. Cela me semblait le genre de chose inconcevable au Royaume‑Uni, où le financement des arts est constamment menacé.

    Until a couple of months ago, the French government would give every eighteen-year-old in the country 300 EURO, no questions asked, to be spent on cinema, museum, and theatre tickets or on art materials. I remember first hearing about this “culture pass” (which has now been cut to 150 EURO) from French friends in London. It seemed like the kind of thing that would be inconceivable in the UK, where arts funding is constantly under threat.

    Le pass illustre l’approche de la France en matière de politique culturelle. Alors qu’au Royaume‑Uni les arts dépendent davantage de partenariats public‑privé et du financement par le marché, la France considère que la culture est inextricablement liée à l’identité nationale française – et qu’elle doit donc être protégée et orientée par l’État. Lorsque la France a signé un accord de libre‑échange mondial en 1994, elle a négocié une « exception culturelle » : que la culture ne devait pas être considérée comme un produit, et pouvait donc être protégée par des tarifs douaniers et des quotas.

    The pass is illustrative of France’s approach when it comes to cultural policy. Whereas in the UK the arts rely more on public-private partnerships and market funding, France takes the view that culture is inextricably linked with French national identity – and therefore should be protected and directed by the state. When France signed a global free trade agreement in 1994, it negotiated a “cultural exception”: that culture should not be considered a product, that therefore could be protected via tariffs and quotas.

    Cette vision est ancienne. Juste après la Seconde Guerre mondiale, la France a réussi à négocier avec la Grande‑Bretagne et les États‑Unis pour devenir le pays hôte de l’UNESCO – l’agence culturelle de l’ONU – ce qui lui a permis de se réaffirmer sur la scène artistique mondiale. Installée à l’origine dans l’hôtel Majestic à Paris, l’UNESCO est désormais hébergée dans un bâtiment construit exprès place de Fontenoy. Une amie à moi y travaille cet été, alors j’ai eu la chance de le visiter en juin. C’est un site très impressionnant, conçu par Bernard Zehrfuss, Marcel Breuer et Pier Luigi Nervi. Le hall d’entrée possède une immense fresque (non signée) de Picasso. La rumeur raconte qu’il n’était pas content du résultat et qu’il a laissé son nom.

    This view is longstanding. Immediately after the second world war, France successfully negotiated with Britain and the US to be the host nation of UNESCO – the UN agency for culture – which allowed it to reassert itself on the global artistic stage. Originally operating out of the Hotel Majestic in Paris, UNESCO is now housed in a purpose-built building on Place de Fontenoy. A friend of mine is working there over the summer, so I was lucky enough to visit in June. It’s a very impressive site, designed by Bernard Zehrfuss, Marcel Breuer, and Pier Luigi Nervi. The foyer has a huge (unsigned) mural by Picasso. The story goes that he was unhappy with the result, and left his name off.

    Cette même semaine avait lieu la Fête de la musique : une célébration annuelle de la musique qui se déroule dans toute la France, mais particulièrement populaire à Paris. La ville entière s’est transformée en un gigantesque festival, avec des groupes et des DJs à chaque coins de rue. Ma résidence – la Cité universitaire – a accueilli certains des plus grands concerts, avec des cerfs‑volants spéciaux en forme de baleines flottant dans le ciel.

    That same week was fete de la musique: an annual celebration of music that takes place all over France, but is particularly popular in Paris. The entire city was transformed into a giant festival, with bands and djs on every street corner. My residence – the cité universitaire – hosted some of the biggest concerts, with special kites shapes like whales floating through the sky.

  • Lauren Maslin 도쿄에서의 여름 여행 July 7월

    도쿄에서의 여름 여행

    안녕하세요!~~

    요즘 날씨가 정말 더워요! 다들 여름 잘 보내고 있으신가요? 저는 이번 달에 일본 도쿄에 다녀왔어요! 도쿄는 일본의 수도이고, 세계에서 인구가 가장 많은 도시 중 하나라고 해요. 저는 인천공항에서 나리타 국제공항까지 비행기를 타고 갔어요. 비행 시간은 2시간이 조금 넘었고, 꽤 편안했어요!

    사실 저는 이번이 도쿄에 처음 가본 거라서 모든 게 새롭고 신기했어요. 예전에 사진이나 영화로만 봤던 도시를 직접 보니까 정말 재밌더라구요! 또, 도쿄는 전통과 현대가 잘 어울리는 도시라는 느낌이 들었어요! 그 이유로, 시부야에는 밝은 불빛과 사람들이 많았고, 아사쿠사에는 조용한 절과 전통 시장이 있었어요. 여러분들도 꼭 한번 가보세요!

    저는 또 맛있는 음식도 많이 먹었는데요. 회전초밥, 가라아게, 일본식 카레, 그리고 말차 맛이 나는 하나미 당고등을 먹었어요. 그 중 하나미 당고는 동그란 떡 세 개가 꼬치에 꽂혀 있었는데 쫀득쫀득하고 달콤해서 정말 맛있더라구요!

    관광 역시 빠질 수 없죠! 아사쿠사의 센소지 절을 구경하고, 고쿄(일본 황궁) 앞에서 사진도 찍었어요.

    하라주쿠에 있는 유명한 다케시타 거리에서 옷을 구경하고 그 중 몇 가지도 샀어요. 일본 길거리 패션은 정말 신기하고 멋지더라구요! 하라주쿠에서는 프리쿠라(사진 스티커)도 찍었는데, 사진 속 내 모습이 아기 외계인처럼 나와서 보고 한참 웃었지 뭐에요!!

    날씨는 매우 더웠지만, 저는 운이 좋게도 후지산을 볼 수 있었어요. 보통은 구름에 가려져서 잘 안 보인다고 하는데, 제가 갔을 때는 하늘이 맑아서 후지산이 또렷하게 보였어요. 저는 그 모습이 아직도 잊혀지지 않아요.

    이번 여행에서 가장 기억에 남는 순간 중 하나는 역시 후지산을 보러 간 날이었어요. 도쿄에서 당일치기 여행으로 다녀왔는데, 일본에서 가장 유명한 산을 실제로 보니 정말 멋있었어요. 멀리서 봐도 후지산은 조용하고 웅장하게 하늘 위에 서 있는 것처럼 보이더라구요. 더 좋은 전망을 보기 위해 400개의 계단을 걸어 올라갔는데, 힘들었지만 그만한 가치가 있었다고 생각해요. 근처에 있는 호수도 들렀고, 사진도 찍으면서 조용한 자연 풍경을 즐겼어요. 산을 직접 오르지는 않았지만, 가까이에서 바라보는 것만으로도 특별한 경험이었어요. 도심의 복잡함에서 벗어나 일본의 자연을 느낄 수 있는 소중한 시간이었다고 자부해요.

    저녁에는 스카이트리 타워에도 올라가봤어요. 전망대에서 본 도쿄의 야경은 정말 숨이 멎을 만큼 아름다웠어요. 동쪽에서 서쪽까지 끝없이 펼쳐진 불빛을 보며 한참 동안 그 풍경에 빠져 있었는데 도쿄가 얼마나 넓은 도시인지 새삼 느낄 수 있었고, 도시에 약 1,420만 명, 주변까지 합치면 3,700만 명이 넘는 사람들이 산다는 이야기가 비로소 실감이 나더라구요.

    황궁을 다녀온 후에는 도쿄국립박물관에도 갔어요. 박물관을 걸으면서 일본의 역사와 문화를 더 깊이 느낄 수 있었어요. 전통 의상, 도자기, 사무라이 칼 같은 전시물이 특히 기억에 남았어요. 일본의 과거가 지금의 일본을 어떻게 만들었는지 알 수 있는 시간이었어요.

    저는 이번 여행을 통해 일본 문화를 많이 배우고 새로운 경험도 많이 했다고 말할 수 있을 것 같아요. 도쿄에는 볼 것도 많고 먹을 것도 많아서 꼭 다시 가고 싶어요. 짧은 시간이었지만 많은 것을 보고 느껴서 오래도록 기억에 남을 것 같고, 저는 이번 여행이 너무 좋았어서 다음 여행이 벌써부터 기대돼요!

    여러분도 즐거운 여름 추억 많이 만드세요!

    My Summer Trip to Tokyo

    Hello!

    The weather’s been really hot lately! I wonder if everyone’s having a good summer? This month, I went to Tokyo, Japan! Tokyo is the capital of Japan and one of the most populous cities in the world. I flew from Incheon Airport to Narita International Airport. The flight took just over two hours and was quite comfortable!

    Actually, it was my first time in Tokyo, so everything felt new and exciting. Seeing the city I’d only seen in pictures or movies was really fun! I also felt that Tokyo is a city where tradition and modern life blend really well. For example, Shibuya was full of bright lights and people, while Asakusa had quiet temples and a traditional market. I really recommend visiting!

    I also ate lots of delicious food. I had conveyor belt sushi, karaage (fried chicken), Japanese-style curry, and Hanami dango with matcha flavour. Hanami dango had three round rice cakes on a stick—it was chewy, sweet, and so tasty!

    Of course, I did some sightseeing too! I visited Sensoji Temple in Asakusa and took photos in front of the Imperial Palace (Kokyo).

    At Harajuku’s famous Takeshita Street, I browsed clothes and even bought a few things. Japanese street fashion is really interesting and stylish! I also took Purikura (photo booth pictures) in Harajuku, and I looked like a baby alien in the photo—it made me laugh so much!

    Although the weather was very hot, I was lucky enough to see Mt. Fuji. I heard it’s often hidden behind clouds, but the sky was clear when I went, so I could see it clearly. That view still lingers in my mind.

    One of the most memorable parts of this trip was the day I went to see Mt. Fuji. I did it as a day trip from Tokyo, and seeing Japan’s most famous mountain in real life was incredible. Even from far away, Mt. Fuji stood quietly and grandly against the sky. I climbed 400 steps to get a better view—it was tiring, but definitely worth it. I also stopped by a nearby lake, took photos, and enjoyed the peaceful natural scenery. I didn’t climb the mountain itself, but just being close to it felt like a special experience. It was a precious time where I could escape the city and feel the nature of Japan.

    In the evening, I also went up the Tokyo Skytree Tower. The night view of Tokyo from the observatory was breathtaking. Seeing the endless lights stretching from east to west, I was completely captivated. I truly felt how huge Tokyo is. I remembered reading that about 14.2 million people live in the city itself, and more than 37 million if you include the surrounding areas—it finally felt real.

    After visiting the Imperial Palace, I also went to the Tokyo National Museum. As I walked through the exhibits, I could really feel Japan’s history and culture. The displays of traditional clothing, pottery, and samurai swords especially stood out. It was a meaningful time that helped me understand how Japan’s past has shaped the present.

    I think I can truly say that I learned a lot about Japanese culture and had so many new experiences during this trip. Tokyo has so much to see and eat. I definitely want to go back. Although it was a short trip, I saw and felt so much, and I’m sure I’ll remember it for a long time. I had such a great time that I’m already looking forward to my next trip!

    I hope you all make lots of fun summer memories too!

  • Elodie Sparrow: 下次再见！See you next time! – China, July 2025

    时间飞逝，转眼间在中国的一年已经过了。回顾这一年， 发生了很多事情。收拾行李时，我百感交集，有点感触。我探索了很多新地方。 我结识了很多人。我学到很多新知识。
    我叠好的这T恤，让我想起来穿着它们去的地方。打包的明信片时，我想起来在中国结识的新朋友。收拾的纪念品时，我想起来所有的宝惠回忆。这些纪念品让我永远难忘我在中国留学一年。
    许多事情已成过去，还有许多事情改变了。比如，我来中国的时候，我行李不到25公斤，现在却有35公斤！比起去年，我有了更多回忆，也多了更多东西！


    我看了看从英国来带来的东西。很多都没用上，比如：几个英式插头、薄大衣、雨伞。其实在中国什么都能到，现在想来根本不用带那么多。虽然我有适配器，但是我没用过英式插头。刚到中国的时候，我就买了中式插头，更方便。 我在春天和秋天穿了薄大衣一两次，但是这两个季节很短, 冬天买了羽绒服，薄大衣不够厚。我用那个雨伞多次。雨伞夏天更好用，能防晒；冬天下雨很少。不过，随便进商店的就能买到超级便宜的雨伞，还不到一个英镑。所以说带伞是浪费行李时间。
    收拾行李时，我意识到自己更懂中国了。来中国前，我对中国历史、政治等有所了解，但对生活一无所知。但通过留学一年，我对中国、中国人、中国文化都变得越来越熟悉了。
    通过跟朋友过年，我更理解在中国文化团圆的重要性。跟朋友庆生时，我懂了食物在中国文化中食物的重要性。通过留学一年而天天练习中文，我能更理解汉语。用中文交流让我看到了外国人很少了解的中国一面。
    时间差不够了。我打包好了（不得不“送“室友很多的东西！）。一会儿会打车去机场。 一方面，我”乐不思英“——会想念我朋友们，北大和中国文化。另一方面，展望未来，我期待跟家人团聚和在大学最后一年。我也跟我中国朋友们承诺我会回来。所以，中国下次再见！


    Time flies. In the blink of an eye, my time in China is already up. Looking back over the year so much has happened. As I pack my bags, I am a mix of emotions, and quite sentimental. I have explored many places, met many new people, and learnt a lot.


    The T-shirts that I pack remind me of the many places that I have been wearing them. The postcards that I put in my bag make me think of the many new friends that I have made in China. As I pack away my souvenirs and trinkets, I think about all the precious memories. These souvenirs will mean that I will never forget my year studying abroad in China.
    A lot has happened, and a lot has changed. For example, when I came to China, my suitcase weighed no more than 25 kg. Now it weighs 35 kg. Compared to last year, I have a lot more memories and a lot more stuff!
    I look at the things that I brought over from England. Many of these things I never used. For example, a good few plugs, a thin coat, and an umbrella. You can buy whatever you need in China. Now I think there was no point in bringing that much stuff. Although I had an adaptor, I never used the English charging plug. As soon as I arrived in China, I just bought a Chinese one, much more convenient! In spring and autumn, I wore the thin coat once or twice, but these seasons are short and in winter I bought a down jacket. The thin jackets were not thick enough. I used the umbrella many times. It is more useful in summer and can protect you from the sun; in winter it seldom rains. However, if you wander into a store, you can buy a cheap umbrella for no more than a pound. That is to say, it wasted space bringing it in my suitcase!


    When packing my bags, I realise that my understanding of China has grown. Before I came, I knew some Chinese history, politics etc. but I didn’t have a clue about life in China. Through studying here for a year, I have become more and more familiar with China, Chinese people and culture.
    Through celebrating New Year’s with a friend, I have come better to understand the importance of family gatherings in Chinese culture. Through celebrating birthdays with friends, I have come to better understand the importance of food in Chinese culture. By studying here for a year and practising Chinese every day, I have better understood the language. Using Chinese to communicate has allowed me to see a side of China that few foreigners will ever get to see.
    Time is almost up. I have finished packing (and had to ‘gift’ my roommate a few things). I will soon head to the airport. A part of me is reluctant to leave, I love life out here and don’t want to go back to England – I will miss my friends, Beida university and Chinese culture. The other side of me, looking ahead, looks forward to reuniting with my family and my final year at university. I have promised my Chinese friends that I will come back. So, goodbye China! See you next time!

  • Sea to sky – Bryony Heaviside

    A two hike in BIC national park, getting to both practice French and take in the views.

  • Case Study: JJ Daniel – Taiwan, 2025

    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.

    A photo from my final class of Social Chinese for Diplomats

    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!

    The last time attending Monday park fitness group!

    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).

    My last time attending the Wednesday stair running at Chiang Kai-shek memorial hall.

    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.

    Running into some teachers from the office!

    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!

  • Case Study: Kelly Huynh – Spain, 2024 – 2025

    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.

    8M event/march with friends

    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.

    ˖ . ݁.୨୧ ݁₊

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

    Day trip to Segovia

  • Bryony Heaviside: Où tu vas quand tu dors en marchant…? – June 2025

    Ce mois-ci a été particulièrement amusant grâce à ma visite au festival “Où tu vas quand tu dors en marchant…?” à Québec. Ce festival, qui célèbre les arts au Québec, m’a captivé avec ses performances variées et l’ambiance québécoise. J’y suis allée avec des collègues de mon stage. Nous avons passé la soirée à discuter de notre interprétation de chaque performance, c’était intéressant de voir comment les autres percevaient la performance.

    Les influenceurs

    L’une des performances qui m’a le plus impressionné était «Le Grand Marché de l’influence», où les artistes agissent comme divers influenceurs et ils ont fait une chanson, qui représentait le consumérisme de la société, qui est fortement influencée par les influenceurs sur le réseaux sociaux. En jouant avec les idées de connectivité et d’isolement, ils ont suscité une réflexion sur notre société actuelle. La performance m’a vraiment fait réfléchir et voir les influenceurs sous un jour différent.

    Le volcan blanc

    L’autre performance marquante était « Le Volcan blanc ». Elle a exploré les thèmes de la nature et de la résilience face aux défis environnementaux. Les artistes ont utilisé des éléments scéniques inspirés des paysages québécois, y compris des projections de la faune et de la flore de la région. La danse de groupe était principalement laissée à l’interprétation du public, mais je pense qu’ils mettaient l’accent sur le problème actuel du changement climatique, notamment avec les incendies de forêt qui ravagent actuellement plusieurs provinces canadiennes.

    En parallèle du festival, j’ai eu la chance de visiter Parc Omega, un parc animalier qui permet d’observer la faune canadienne dans son habitat naturel. J’ai eu l’occasion de nourrir des cerfs, et voir des oursons. J’ai écouté l’audioguide qui me raconte des faits intéressants sur les animaux canadiens. Par exemple, des aigles, s’ils perdent des plumes d’un côté de leur corps, ils perdront les mêmes de l’autre côté afin qu’ils soient équilibrés. J’ai vraiment aimé apprendre de nouveaux faits et voir la faune canadienne dans son « habitat naturel ».

    Un faon, tellement mignon

    This month was particularly fun because I visited “Where do you go when you are sleep walking…?” festival in Quebec City. I was captivated by the festival, with its diverse performances and Quebecois atmosphere, which celebrates the arts in Quebec. I went with some colleagues from my internship. We spent the evening discussing our interpretation of each performance, it was interesting to see how others viewed the performance.

    Un spectacle, les années 90s

    One of the performances that impressed me most was “The great market of influence,” where the artists acted as various influencers and performed a song representing consumerism in society, which is heavily influenced by influencers on social media. By playing with the ideas of connectivity and isolation, they caused everyone to contemplate our current society. The performance really made me reflect and see influencers in a different light.

    The other notable performance was “The white volcano,” which explored the themes of nature and resilience, in face of environmental challenges. The artists used elements inspired by Quebec’s landscapes, including projections of the region’s flora and fauna. The group dance was mainly left to the interpretation of the audience, but in my opinion, I think they were putting stress on current issues of climate change. Especially, with Canadas current forest fire problem in multiple provinces.

    Le paysage au Parc Omega
    #Selfie

    Alongside the festival, I had the chance to visit Parc Omega, a wildlife park that allows you to observe Canadian wildlife in their natural habitat. I had the opportunity to feed deer and see bear cubs. I listened to an audio guide, which told me interesting facts about Canadian animals. For example, eagles, if they lose feathers on one side of their body, they lose the same amount on the other side, so they remain balanced. I really enjoyed learning new facts and seeing Canadian wildlife in their “natural habitat.”

    Ma photo préférée (un élan qui chante)

  • Grace Dawson: Kirschenbluetenfest in Hamburg – June 2025

    In dem letzten Monat habe ich mich mit einer eklektischen Mischung von kulturellen Aktivitäten beschäftigt, die sich einigermaßen spontan ergeben haben.


    Am 23. Mai hatte ich die Chance, ein beliebtes kulturelles Phänomen wahrzunehmen: das Kirschblütenfest. Hamburgs enge Verbindung mit der japanischen Kultur wird jährlich mit Feuerwerken, der Wahl einer Kirschblütenkönigin und einem Japan-Festival gefeiert. Wir konnten des Feuerwerk vom Steg des Hamburger und Germania Ruder Clubs aus bewundern, der einen optimalen Aussichtspunkt über der Außenalster bietet. Zuvor gab es leckeres Grillen mit Hähnchenflügeln und Bratwürsten gab. Anderen Leuten zufolge sei das Feuerwerk im Verlauf der Jahre kleiner geworden. Allerdings dauerte die Show circa 15 Minuten und meiner Meinung nach war sie beeindruckend, da sie die gesamte Alster mit kirschblütenförmigem Glitzern erleuchtete.


    Vor einer Woche bin ich am Hafen spazieren gegangen und mir ist eingefallen, dass ich den St. Pauli-Elbtunnel (den Hamburger:innen meist als Alter Elbtunnel bekannt) noch nicht besucht hatte. 24 Meter unter der Erde liegt dieses frisch sanierte, denkmalgeschützte Stück Stadtgeschichte. Ich bin die Treppe hinuntergegangen, dann unter der Elbe entlang durchquert. An den Wänden wurden 80 Keramikplatten mit hafen relevanten Tiermotiven angebracht. Da der originale Tunnel im Jahr 1911 eröffnet wurde, habe ich mir vorgestellt wie die Arbeiter diesen Verbindungsweg ins Hafen- und Werftgebiet entlangegangen sind. Typisch für Hamburg hat es dann geregnet, als ich auf der anderen Seite auftauchte und sich der Blick auf den Hafen vor mir weitete. Ich nahm den großen Fahrstuhl, der früher Autos transportierte, wieder zu den Landungsbrücken. Ehrlich gesagt, hatte ich eine Ausstellung zur Geschichte des Tunnels erwartet oder zumindest ein paar Schilder zum Denkmalschutz, unter dem der Tunnel seit 2003 steht. Trotzdem fand ich diese Leistung der Architektur sehr spannend, insbesondere wenn man die Macht und das bloße Gewicht der Elbe in Betracht zieht.
    Letzte Woche an dem Freitag haben meine Trainingsgruppe und ich bei dem Ruder-Club Bergedorf gegrillt. Obwohl wir mitten in der Regattasaison sind, nehmen wir uns immer die Zeit für Entspannung trotz des hohen Lasts vom Training. Zufällig hatte ich an dem Tag vorher Brownies gebacken, die somit mein Beitrag zu dem Grillabend waren. Es gab ein köstliches Festmahl mit Würsten, Hähnchen, Knoblauchbrot, Kartoffelsalat, Limonade und Bier. Danach sind wir baden gegangen als die Sonne unterging und das Wasser ganz glatt war.

    Over the past month, I have been busy with an eclectic mix of cultural activities that have arisen somewhat spontaneously.


    On 23 May, I had the chance to take in a popular cultural phenomenon: the cherry blossom festival. Hamburg’s close connection with Japanese culture is celebrated annually with fireworks, the election of a cherry blossom queen and a Japanese festival. We were able to admire the fireworks from the pontoon of the Hamburg and Germania Rowing Club, which offers an ideal vantage point over the Outer Alster. Beforehand, there was a delicious barbecue with chicken wings and sausages. According to other people, the fireworks have become smaller over the years. However, the show lasted about 15 minutes and in my opinion it was impressive as it lit up the entire Alster with cherry blossom-shaped sparkles.
    A week ago, I went for a walk along the harbour and remembered that I hadn’t yet visited the St. Pauli Elbe Tunnel (usually known to Hamburg residents as the Old Elbe Tunnel). This newly renovated, listed piece of the city’s history lies 24 metres below the ground. I went down the stairs and then under the Elbe. The walls are decorated with 80 ceramic panels with harbour-related animal motifs. As the original tunnel was opened in 1911, I imagined how the workers walked along this connecting tunnel to the harbour and shipyard area. In typical Hamburg fashion, it was raining when I emerged on the other side and the view of the harbour widened in front of me. I took the big lift that used to transport cars back to the Landungsbrücken. To be honest, I had expected to see an exhibition on the history of the tunnel or at least a few signs about the protected monument status that the tunnel has been under since 2003. Nevertheless, I found this feat of architecture very exciting, especially when you consider the power and sheer weight of the Elbe.
    Last week on Friday, my training group and I had a barbecue at the Bergedorf rowing club. Although we are in the middle of the regatta season, we always take the time to relax despite the heavy training load. By chance, I had baked brownies the day before, so they were my contribution to the barbecue. We had a delicious feast of sausages, chicken, garlic bread, potato salad, lemonade and beer. Afterwards we went for a swim as the sun went down and the water was really flat.