Loreto College Celebrates Language Learning
Speaking foreign languages opens doors and enhances career prospects. In a post-Brexit Europe and a constantly evolving jobs market, Loreto College has been energetic in its efforts to promote language learning in the classroom and in further education.
At a recent event for senior students, there were some valuable insights from representatives of the German Embassy, the Goethe Institute and UCD. The school was particularly pleased to welcome back two of its past pupils, Katie Sexton and Erin Young, who shared their experiences of studying German at 3rd level and the competitive edge they have gained in the current jobs market.
Loreto College and St Patrick’s College also welcomed back a group of exchange students and their teachers from their partner school in Rheinland Pfalz.
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A Linguistic Future for Loreto Students
On the 19th of April 2023, Loreto College Cavan hosted a languages event which was attended by fifth year and transition year students. The aim of the event was to showcase the importance of languages, not just at third level but in the workplace both in Ireland and worldwide. Ms Mc Garvey welcomed the guest speakers and shared her thoughts on the importance of language learning. Robert David Henneberg, from the German embassy in Dublin was the first guest speaker to take the stage. Henneberg explained how he worked to promote modern connections between Germany and Ireland. He also highlighted the value of the Erasmus language learning programme available to all EU citizens. Henneberg kindly donated books and maps to the school library.
The second guest speaker, past pupil Katie Sexton, currentlyworks as Global QMS Training Lead with Teleflex. She shared her experience of working for this company, including her travel opportunities to Mexico and Germany. It is clear that Katie has a great passion for the German language. Alexander Kruckenfellner, Goethe Institute, promoted German culture and relations between Ireland and Germany, shrinking the gap between countries. He gave valuable insights on the importance of cultural exchange.
Eileen Bowman, Assistant Professor in Education at UCD, focused on the recent launch of the B. Education with Gaelige &/or Modern Languages. Students learned about the course structure and the range of career options available to graduates.
Erin Young, another past pupil of Loreto Cavan, who is studying commerce international with German, University of Galway shared her experience as a college student. She gave an in depth talk about her course and her hopes for the future. So what did the students think of this event? Many described the event as “educational” and “enjoyable” and one student was “surprised at how important a language is for career development.” Without doubt, this event has inspired many students to study a language in the future.
Written by Angelina Farrelly
MFL event- a student perspective
Did you know that over half of the world’s population is bilingual? It shouldn’t be surprising, considering language is what connects as human beings. There are many benefits to learning a new language – improved cognitive skills, a better memory; it can even delay the onset of dementia. Crucially, language learning can lead to enhanced career opportunities, and a broader perspective on the world we live in.
There are many occupations where language proficiency is paramount. These jobs can range from working in education to working for the European Union. If you’re not looking to pursue a career that is primarily language-based, it can also lead to a career in journalism, where the skill is useful in conducting interviews with non-English speaking sources or reporting on events in countries where English is not the dominant language. Businesses often look for applicants who speak more than one language; today’s workforce must be able to speak and negotiate with international investors or business partners.
In Loreto, we recently attended a series of talks by many esteemed individuals who all had one thing in common: a passion for languages. Their desire to motivate young people was nothing short of inspirational.
Robert David Henneberg, Germany Embassy Dublin, made us realise the power of languages. Henneberg, originally from Berlin, spent time in Ireland working as a German language assistant in Ireland. When he was studying in college, he was housemates with a girl who was fluent in Irish. They decided to teach each other their native languages. This was the first step for Henneberg in mastering the Irish language, which he now speaks fluently. Another interesting point that caught our attention was the number of Irish people living in Germany. There is a GAA club in Berlin where Irish immigrants train and compete.
Katie Sexton showed us how unpredictable and useful learning a language is. Katie attended Loreto Cavan, where she realised her passion and potential for German. She studied BioTech with German and travelled to Austria for work experience. During a work placement in the Netherlands, Katie was able to pick up Dutch from her knowledge of German. Sexton now works for Teleflex as a Global QMS Training Lead, a job that she loves.
Erin Young is an undergraduate currently studying International Commerce with German in University of Galway. Her advice to students in how to improve language fluency and how to navigate college life, was invaluable.
Alexander Kruckenfellner is Deputy Institute Director of the Goethe Institute in Ireland. He supplied us with information about the institute, including the number of teachers, the number of institutes nationwide, and the number of years it has been providing a valuable education in Ireland.
Eileen Bowman, Assistant Professor in Education UCD, talked about the recent launch of a new degree course, B. Education (Irish &/MFL). She encouraged all language students to consider combining Irish with one or more European languages. Job prospects for graduates are very positive indeed, especially considering the imminent move in the primary sector to provide tuition in a European Language.
The world we live in is diverse, and it’s important to embrace and celebrate that diversity. Knowing another language enables us to connect with people from different cultures, which can lead to a better understanding of their beliefs and values. Immersing yourself in learning a different language means it is likely you will come across the history, cultures and customs of the country. Entering with an open mind, it will teach you how although there is a cultural difference, at the core we are all humans nonetheless. Actively taking the step to learn a new language, the willingness to appreciate something unfamiliar to you, means you are a vital reason in helping the world become a more inclusive place.
Written by Hayley Lau & Ríona MacManus
Please clink on the links below to find out more about languages in Loreto College Cavan.
German