Welcome to our first issue of the Language Exepress!

What do you feel you have most gained from working as an FLC assistant?

 

Working at the FLC has been such a valuable experience. I have gained so many different skills from working on different projects throughout the year. My favourites range from creating an ELE page for the Incubator scheme, to helping Sonia organise entries for a conference. It has been such a pleasure to work with the other RAs who have the same interest in languages as me.

 

How has the job helped your language learning?

 

Being surrounded by languages has inspired me to improve on my languages and pick up new ones along the way. Working at the FLC has made me realise the scope of opportunities that are available for language learners at the university from the PAL scheme to borrowing one of the many language resources at the FLC itself. This year, I particularly benefited from the TANDEM language scheme the FLC hosts on Facebook and found two fabulous TANDEM partners for French and Korean, shoutout to Delphine and Sungdae!

 

What do you feel you have achieved from working on the TA scheme?

 

I knew I wanted to take on the TA scheme when I first started because I spent my year abroad as a teaching assistant in France, where I witnessed first-hand the benefits of a native speaker in the classroom. Working with Juan to get the scheme up and running this year did not always go to plan and it was definitely a learning curve. However, I learnt so many valuable skills including digital design, keeping the project organised and improving my Excel skills which are valuable skills for future employment.

 

​What has it been like to work in a revamped FLC?

 

I absolutely loved the new FLC, it turned into my on-campus home! At the beginning of the year I thought the mammoth task of unboxing all the books and DVDs was never going to end but thankfully, we managed to get most of it done. I have loved working behind our brand-new desk in a lovely, modern and fresh space.

 

What has been your favourite aspect of working as an FLC assistant?

 

My favourite part has definitely been meeting and talking to everyone that uses the FLC facilities, including university students, evening language students and all of the staff. Finding out everyone’s different stories and why they started learning a particular language and where their language learning journey has taken them is really fascinating. I once had a phone call with an evening language student who told me she had her first date with her husband at Reed Hall!

 

What are your plans for the future?

 

I want to continue working in education, whether that be teaching languages or providing education for underprivileged children. I would love to go back to teach English abroad or work for an international NGO or organisation that promotes education. Ideally, I would like to work abroad with an international team, just like at the FLC!

 

How have you dealt with having to work from home and do you have any advice for learners and workers who are having to do the same?

 

Working from home has been tough, especially because I usually prefer to work away from home in libraries or cafes. In terms of advice, I would say routine is important. Write yourself a to-do list the day before and work the same hours you would usually work in your office/workplace. Give yourself some time to relax as well, pick up a new hobby to do in the evenings or on weekends!

 

What has been your standout Exeter memory?

 

There are too many to choose from! Thankfully, my time in Exeter has been an unforgettable experience and has really allowed me to grow as an individual. Throughout my years in Exeter I have always loved to take part in events that celebrate the diversity on campus. In previous years, stand-out moments have been the Diversity Ball and taking part in Holi, and this year I was lucky enough to be part of the Diwali celebrations and the Festival of Cultures on campus with the Pakistani Society which was so much fun.

 

Any advice for future resource assistants?

 

Say yes to as much as you can! There are so many diverse opportunities that present themselves when working as an assistant at the FLC. You have the opportunity to learn a lot of different skills so try to get involved in as much as possible.

 

Are there any languages you wish to learn in the future and if so which ones?

 

Where do I start?! I would like to learn as many languages as possible, but right now I’ve been interested in Asian languages. I am currently brushing up on my Urdu and learning Korean but I would love to learn to read and write Punjabi and Hindi. One day I hope I can gain some form of fluency in Japanese and Mandarin as well!

 

One word answers:

 

One word to describe your co-workers at the FLC

 

Sunshines ☀️🌤🌞✨

 

One word to explain how you feel about leaving

 

Bittersweet

 

One word to sum up your experience at Exeter

 

Irreplaceable 💚