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Today’s post is the last in our series profiling MLC students who started learning German as complete beginners and who are now in their final year. Following Victoria, Jessica, Rebecca and Elpiniki, we meet Eloise Murphy, who is taking a BA in Modern European Languages. Once again, we learn of the enriching experience of learning German from scratch.
Eloise Murphy
I chose to study at the University of Liverpool as it was the only university that allowed me to study three languages at once, which I preferred as I studied French and Spanish at A Level and did not want to drop either of them. I decided to pick up German from scratch, as I thought it would be more challenging and I was correct. Although it was demanding and tough, being in a small class solely for beginners was really reassuring and, along with the excellent teaching and help from my tutors, I was confidently speaking, writing and listening to German in no time.
For me, one of the best aspects of doing a languages degree is the opportunity to go on a year abroad. I spent a semester studying at the University of Würzburg, which I found extremely useful and rewarding. I had never been to Germany before, so experiencing the country and culture for the first time by actually living there was incredible. Not only did I have the opportunity to improve my German skills, but being there as an Erasmus student enabled me to meet new friends from all over the world, from as far as Japan and the USA, many of whom I am still in touch with now. Thanks to the year abroad and the continuous support from the German department, I am finding studying German in final year much easier than I did in previous years, and I am proud to find myself at the same level as students who have been learning the language for much longer.
I am grateful that I have had the opportunity to learn German, as I believe that my chances of getting a job after university either at home or abroad have been increased, as German is said to be one of the languages that companies seek the most. After I graduate, I would definitely like to return to Germany to possibly live and work there, and in a few years’ time I would also like to complete an MA in languages.