Tricia Bailie, from Crossgar, is studying Spanish at Castlereagh College to help her develop business in Spain.
“I decided to study Spanish when the company of which I am a director acquired property in Spain. While the company has legal advisors in the country who speak English, it seemed sensible to me that someone in the business should have a basic grounding in the Spanish language, to be able, at least, to greet people there. It’s a bit much to expect people there to make all the effort.
“And because I am also responsible for the financial aspects of our operation, it seemed sensible that I should have sufficient knowledge of the language to deal, for instance, with our bank there. I believed that it would also help me to gain valuable experience in handling the euro currency, now in use throughout most of the European Community.
“I have to admit that I was more than a little bit apprehensive about returning to study a year ago. I didn’t know what to expect from further education college. I didn’t know what knowledge my fellow students would have, or how I would get on with them in a classroom situation. Furthermore, I had very little knowledge of languages from my schooldays. I knew a few words and basic phrases, of course, from holidays in Spain over the years, but ordering meals and drinks and asking directions wasn’t much of a basis.
“Encouragement to enrol on a trial basis was provided by a friend, Elaine Cheevers, who teaches Spanish on a part-time basis at Castlereagh College. So, I decided to sign up for her Saturday morning class on the basis of two hours every week for 16 weeks. I reckoned then that this would give me some essential information about Spanish and enable me to decide if I had what it takes to master the language.
“The fact that I hadn’t undertaken any significant study for many years meant that learning my first foreign language was quite a challenge. I wasn’t sure, for instance, if I could find the time in my busy daily schedule for study at home. There certainly wasn’t any time at work, nor was there much spare time at home. I realised, however, that just two hours a week wouldn’t be enough. I just had to develop a disciplined routine and to set as much time as possible aside to study the books and listen to the tapes.
“Fortunately, the teacher is very supportive and ever ready to help. Indeed, staff at the college are all extremely helpful. The class is structured by the teacher to suit my needs and to give me the basic grounding that I require for study at home. The tutor also arranged and accompanied a group from the class on a three-day trip to Barcelona. This gave us the chance to practice what she had taught us. She was also on hand to help and guide us around the Catalan capital. It was instructive and great fun.
“Learning the language also provided a good reason for me to make frequent trips to Spain for meetings with lawyers and the bank, as well as for a bit of sun bathing! I’ve been studying the language for about two years and now have a routine that includes two hours a day study at home. I have two classes a week, one at night and the other on Saturday mornings, and it’s getting easier. I am nowhere near fluent, of course, but the classes at Castlereagh College have given me confidence to deal with issues in Spain, and Spanish people appreciate my efforts to learn their language.
“The college offers courses in Spanish to GCSE, and I am considering continuing my studies to this level.”
Five Tips for Anyone Considering Further Education
- The colleges are a tremendous resource for anyone wishing to gain qualifications for career development. So, grasp the opportunities that they provide. Check the courses available from your nearest college. As an adult returning to education, I’ve no hesitation in recommending this for anyone wishing to improve his or her career prospects or general knowledge.
- Take advice from college staff. Most colleges run open days/nights for people wishing to find out more about the courses or teaching techniques. You’ll definitely find a course to suit you needs.
- You will need to develop a study routine at home and put in the work. A few hours a week in the college won’t be enough for you to get to grips with whatever you choose to study.
- Talk to your employer who may be ready to give you time off for study. Assistance may also be available under government training schemes. So, find out all you can from your employer and the college about what’s available.
- Be positive in class. You’ll get more out of the study by taking an active and constructive role during the lessons. If you really want to learn, you won’t experience any problems about going back to class.