GermanLinx :: German and Careers

Kiera Dingle

Law/Arts student at University of Melbourne. Currently studying and working in Germany.

Kiera Dingle For many people the prospect of learning a foreign language is associated with hard work, frustration and disappointment. Sure, learning a foreign language isn't a piece of cake, but it is without a doubt an invaluable skill that provides many opportunities.

From personal experience I can only speak positively of my language learning experience. I began learning German in Year 7 where German was a compulsory subject. At first it was just one of the things I did at school. It wasn't until I decided to take my language studies to a tertiary level that I realised the importance of learning a foreign language. Learning a foreign language is not only about learning vocab and grammar, it is also about becoming a better communicator, something that is important in all areas of life.

Whilst studying Arts/Law at Melbourne University with my major in German I was often asked: Why? People thought studying Law in conjunction with a European language seemed a little strange. Learning German has helped me acquire important learning and communication skills that are also valuable to the study of law.

The most attractive aspect of having studied German has been the opportunities it offered me. In 2000 I was awarded a foreign language scholarship to continue my studies overseas. Living, learning and working in a foreign country has opened so many new doors for me including, travel, job opportunities and last but not least cultural and life experiences. People with English as a mother tongue, who speak the European language of the country they are living in, are welcomed on the job front. Knowing German has enabled me to work and study in Germany where organisations, firms, universities and schools are keen to employ people who also have English language skills.

Learning German has given me the opportunity to choose between a life in two completely different countries or a life in both? Such possibilities would never have emerged, had I never taken on learning a foreign language. And believe me the thrill of being able to communicate in another language never dies.

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