Language Ambassadors
Who are the Language Ambassadors?
The Languages Ambassadors scheme arises from a project on languages and careers undertaken by the Scottish Centre for Information on Language Teaching (Scottish CILT) and funded by SEED. The Ambassadors all have a strong connection with Scotland, are mostly in their 20s or 30s, and see good reason to value, to learn and to use languages additional to English.
An initial 25 people have been chosen out of 146 willing participants - more to come in the following months!
Jon Petrie
Age - 28
Languages & occupation - French. Plays rugby for Scotland. Has played in France for Colomiers.
Profile - With my rugby, we regularly play teams from France and have French referees, and it makes an enormous difference being able to speak in their native tongue. I have always found it embarrassing that when we are abroad, we expect people to be able to speak English.
People are far more accepting of us when we at least attempt to speak in their language. Even if you have only mastered the basics, it’s the effort that counts, and it can often prove to be an excellent ice-breaker.
I always enjoyed learning languages at school, but never thought that I would get that much use out of the skill in later life. Now, I have discovered, whether in sport, on holiday, at work, or in everyday life, it is something that I couldn’t do without. Learning a foreign language can open the door to a whole host of opportunities.
Katie Targett-Adams
Name - Katie Targett-Adams
Age - 25
Languages & occupation - Spanish/German/Chinese. Oxford languages graduate - now a professional musician (harp). Has own website - http://www.katieharpvoice.com/
Profile - I am very happy to show my appreciation for what language learning has done for me.
I am 25, born in Edinburgh and having studied Spanish, German and Chinese at St George's in Edinburgh I went to Oxford University to read Spanish and German.
Once I graduated I followed my hobby as my career and became a professional singer and Celtic harpist. I have just returned from performing in China where I used my Chinese skills to introduce my songs and even learnt 3 songs in Chinese for the trip. I performed for the official functions of Jack McConnell (I also played at the opening of the Scottish Parliament building on 9th). I was also lucky enough to perform as a soloist in a Celtic festival in Spain where I was able to present my performances in Spanish.
I have recently been asked to perform at the Japanese Consulate in Edinburgh for the celebration of the Emperor's birthday in December and have now found myself learning a song in Japanese!
Ciaran Carey
Age - Not given
Languages & occupation - French and Spanish. Studying international relations as postgraduate degree
Profile - I was born in Scotland, but my mother is French and my father is Irish and they were very keen that myself and my siblings speak both English and French fluently and raised us accordingly. I have been to France to stay with my mother's family during the summer holidays, and have worked and travelled in France independently.
I went on to do French at Higher and Sixth Year Studies (equivalent to Advanced Higher now) and then at Glasgow University as one half of a Joint Honours degree (the other subject being History) which I finished in June.
I am currently living in Nantes in the west of France where I am doing a one-year postgraduate course in History and International Relations at Nantes University. There is a lot to be gained on a personal level from learning other languages as these open doors to other cultures, customs and ways of thinking that can only broaden the intellectual horizon.
Olivia May
Age - 23
Languages & occupation - Spanish. Lives in Spain. Teaches English but about to train to become an air traffic controller with Aena, the company that controls all airspace in Spanish territory.
Profile - I lived in Kirkcaldy and Glasgow until 2003, when I went to Glasgow University to study Slavonic and East European Studies. When I graduated I decided to come to Spain for a while to learn Spanish and have now decided that I will stay in Spain for the forseeable future.
I'm currently teaching English here but am in the process of starting a course to become an air traffic controller with Aena, the company that controls all airspace in Spanish territory.
I live and work in Madrid, I live in a flat with 2 Spaniards and a Peruvian and my boyfriend is also Spanish, so apart from my classes I speak only Spanish.
David Vivanco
Age - not given
Languages & occupation - Spanish. Runs his own tour company for English students and has own website - http://www.davidvivanco.com/
Profile - I was born in Edinburgh. My mother was also born here, although her parents were Russian & Polish. My father is Spanish. My mother teaches English as a Foreign Language and I have set up my own company running tours for students of English. I find knowing foreign languages opens up so many avenues for communication and widening your horizons. It's also great fun to be able to understand another 'code'.
Alison Crabb
Age - 32
Languages & occupation - French, German, Spanish, Dutch. Has been working for European Commission since 1999. Manages a European programme, which promotes language learning (part of Socrates).
Profile - I have been working since 1999 in the European Commission, and for the last 3 years in the Directorate General for Education & Culture, School Education Unit, managing a funding programme which supports European school co-operation and teacher training (part of the Socrates programme).
Having studied French, German and Italian at school I went on to study French, German and Marketing (Joint Honours) at Strathclyde. After graduation I joined the European Fast Stream of the UK civil service (DTI) working on EU affairs and using my French and German.
In 1999 I came to Brussels and have worked in the Directorates General dealing with enlargement, industry and now education and culture. Managing a European programme, which promotes language learning and working in a very multicultural team, I use all my foreign language skills on a daily basis. Since coming to Brussels I have become quite proficient in Spanish and 2 months ago started learning Dutch.
Donald MacLennan
Age - 35
Languages & occupation - Gaelic. Works as Centre Manager for the Columba Centre, Islay
Profile - I am a 35-year old native Gaelic speaker originally from the Isle of North Uist and now working as Centre Manager for the Columba Centre on Islay (Ionad Chaluim Chille Ìle), which seeks to promote the teaching and enjoyment of Gaelic in all its forms.
Although not involved in teaching the language, I work closely with the community here in organising projects and activities (music, exhibitions, short courses) in order to complement our Gaelic courses and classes - to demonstrate to people of all ages the importance of Islay's strong Gaelic traditions and why they should be supported into the future.
Sarah Chadwick
Age - Not given
Languages & occupation - French and Italian. Comenius Assistants Co-ordinator, British Council, Scotland.
Profile - I studied Modern Languages (French and Italian) and was an English Language Assistant in France in my year abroad. When I graduated in 2000 I went on to work as an ELA in Quebec, Canada.
The following year I worked for the Quebec Ministry of Education as a 'stagiaire' administering the ELA programme.
I then took up my current post at the British Council and am responsible for an EU teaching programme. I use French on a daily basis to communicate with our Francophone partner agencies.
Sean Roxburgh
Age - 23
Languages & occupation - Spanish. Part of the IBM language initiative programme. At end of course will have business Spanish at degree level. Has worked in the European call centre where has had the chance to meet and get to know people from all over Europe.
Profile - I have been a part of the IBM language initiative program for just over two years. Probably the biggest benefit I have had is that this particular course offers a great opportunity to students leaving school to study a language, gain business qualifications and the opportunity to realise a job role within a worldwide company.
By the end of this course I am hoping to have gained qualifications such as: degree level in Spanish for business, HND in E-commerce and an NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) in IT. There are also social benefits to be had. The majority of students work in the European call centre where they have the chance to get to know people from all over Europe.
The ultimate goal is to give students the appropriate education and training to eventually take calls from IBM customer in their respective language. The student will also get the opportunity to sit with an agent who speaks the language that they are studying. In this way the students can improve their language skills further.
I have found this course fantastic and would recommend it to any school leaver who is interested in learning a language.
Catherine Wood
Age - Not given
Languages & occupation - French, German
Works for Eurodesk, a European Information service for young people
Profile - I have a degree in Interpreting and Translating (French and German) from Heriot-Watt University and use languages in both my work and social life.
I work for an organisation called Eurodesk, which is a European information service for young people, and I travel all over the UK and Europe working with colleagues from all over the continent.
Languages have helped me in my professional and personal life and my experiences travelling and studying in other countries have made me a more rounded person and got me the job I have today.
Svein Clouston
Age - 26
Languages & occupation - French. Works for Arsenal FC in publications department.
Profile - I have been employed at Arsenal Football Club for the past year and a half. My role in the Publications Office includes working as part of a three-man team on the Official Arsenal Magazine as well as the match-day programme. Languages are a big part of the job.
I studied French (and politics) at the University of Stirling and my ability to speak the language means that I interview the French players at the Club for features and interviews in the magazine and programme. It is an exciting job and I don’t regret for one second choosing to study languages at school and university.
The key to becoming confident in speaking languages is starting as early as possible. The sooner you start learning the better you’ll become. Also, in the age of the internet it is easy to get access to foreign-language websites, including radio stations and newspapers.
Compared to 30 or 40 years ago, learning languages can be fun. There is so much out there and the opportunities if you can speak another language are endless!
Louisa Stratton
Age - 26
Languages & occupation - French, German, Spanish, Swedish, Russian. Works in the International Office at University of Glasgow
Profile - I studied French and German at school. I then went on to do a BA(Hons) in International Business and Modern Languages at Strathclyde, taking French and German to Honours and picking up Russian, which I studied for 2 years.
I currently work in the International Office at the University of Glasgow, and although my current role involves more contact with students from outwith Europe, I still get the occasional opportunity to use my languages - for example I attended a British Council Education Fair in Moscow and worked on a stand to promote the University of Glasgow to Russian students and their parents.
I have made many friends all over the world, thanks to the languages I have learned. And I'm never short of a place to stay when I go on holiday.
Learning a language is hard work, but it's a very satisfying moment when it all clicks into place. The best tip I could give anyone learning another language would be: Don't be afraid to make mistakes. It's really the best way to learn and gives you a funny story to tell future friends from far-flung places.
Andrew Griffith
Age - 25
Languages & occupation - French, Japanese. Works in University International Offices (University of Bangor)
Profile - The use and learning of languages have both played considerable roles in my life – whether socially, educationally or in daily life and employment. I have always seen the benefit of learning foreign languages, which led to my studying Japanese and French at University. Speaking these languages provided me with a competitive edge when looking for employment in University International Offices.
I currently use French and Japanese on a regular basis in communicating with partner institutions and students in the management and co-ordination of a number of different student exchanges and international student recruitment missions.
Being able to speak languages other than my own allows me to understand other cultures more intimately, enhances my ability to communicate more precisely with native speakers and allows a greater exchange of thought and ideas. I strongly believe using my languages daily on both a social and professional level enriches my own experiences and those of other people.
Angela Sue Taylor
Age - 21
Languages & occupation - French; in fourth year at Glasgow University studying law and French
Profile - I learned French throughout secondary school and enjoyed it so much that I decided to continue my studies of the language at university. This enabled me to spend the third year of my Law and French degree at the Université de Savoie in the French Alps. During this year I made many friends from all over the world.
I feel that having a second language will greatly widen my opportunities for finding a job, especially as I hope to spend some time after graduating working in France. In the world we live in today, employers often look for people who have language skills and experience of living abroad.
I ultimately hope to find a job within the United Nations or the European Union as I am studying International Law at Honours level. As I am fluent in spoken and written French and the two official languages of the UN are English and French, a career within this international organisation could be open to me.
David Petherick
Age - 40
Languages & occupation - Russian/Spanish/Portuguese. Runs his own communications company
Profile - I was born in 1964. I learned Russian from age 12 at school, Spanish and some Portuguese from age 14. In 1993 I set up Russian Communications Company with two divisions, providing translation and business news services related to Russia. In 1995 the two divisions separated into two companies involving over 30 employees, contributors and editors across the world with a head office in Edinburgh.
Having more than one language has enabled me to enjoy more foreign travel, greater business success, a Russian wife, friends whom I can visit in 5 countries, and simply a more friendly reaction from strangers I meet for the first time.
Catherine Dickson
Age - 33
Languages & occupation - French. International Trade Adviser in Fife
Profile - After qualifying as a bilingual secretary (English/French) I studied French at Heriot-Watt and more recently took evening classes at the French Institute in Edinburgh.
My first job was as an Administrator at the Scottish Hockey Union. As luck would have it, the European and International governing bodies for hockey were both based in Brussels at that time – a perfect chance to use my French, which also came in useful when setting up international tournaments and visits.
My next post was with an Export House in Edinburgh where many of our suppliers and clients were based in France or French-speaking nations.
I then worked for the Royal Bank of Scotland for a year in Retail Direct operations in Europe, using French to set up meetings.
I am now working as an International Trade adviser in Fife, where having a second language comes in useful if I am speaking with overseas Chambers or other contacts.
Al Blackshaw
Age - 21
Languages & occupation - Mandarin, Chinese, Russian, Japanese. Studying these languages at university.
Profile - I'm originally from Glasgow and I'm a second year student studying for an MA(Hons) in Japanese, and I also take outside courses in Mandarin Chinese and Russian, and I studied French up to Standard Grade level. I'm not fluent in any of these languages by any means, though my Japanese is coming on leaps and bounds every day.
I use the Japanese that I know to keep up to date with future video game releases by visiting Japanese websites. Understanding Japanese allows me to use Japanese search engines and understand the gist of most reviews. I'm passionate about languages, especially Japanese, and I think I've got a slightly infectious enthusiasm when it comes to languages!
Claire Rannou
Age - 28
Languages & occupation - French & Spanish. Works for Scottish Enterprise.
Profile - I speak French and have found it to be of benefit both in my career and personally.
After college I was a sales and marketing executive in the fishing industry with the majority of our product being exported to France, Spain and Italy. I do speak some Spanish, enough to sell fish!
I am now employed by Scottish Enterprise to assist SMEs in developing trade overseas and encouraging language skills is something I do regularly.
Furthermore, I am now married to a Frenchman, whom I met through my first job. Speaking French has been fundamental to building our relationship and a relationship with his friends and family.
Gemma Thompson
Age - 21
Languages & occupation - French, German. Studying law and French at university.
Profile - I would like to be a language ambassador as I have an extremely strong interest in languages. I study Law and French Language at university and am also completing a lunch time course in German at intermediate/advanced level. I spent last year in Strasbourg as part of my course and I am now in my final year.
I believe that languages are extremely important and try to encourage as many people to take up at least one. I find a lot of enjoyment in learning a language and think that if younger people were encouraged to take them up then they would see it as fun and younger children would see it as a special code that they could speak.
Jennie Knowles
Age - Not given
Languages & occupation - Japanese & French. Lives and works in Japan: head of international division of a small events company in Tokyo.
Profile - At high school I studied French, German and Spanish and then studied French and Japanese at university, culminating in a BA in Japanese Studies. Since university, I have lived and worked in Japan using my Japanese for every day life as well as work.
Presently I am head of the International Division of a small events company in Tokyo. I organize events and exhibitions for companies in Japan. These events take place all over the world and I travel regularly to set up and participate in the events. I use my Japanese every day at work and in my private life and I also use my French when necessary for everyday communication and work in French-speaking countries.
After 10 years in Japan, 5 of them travelling monthly to other countries, I have decided to move to France to improve my French and to continue in the same line of work with Europe as a base. I am now more or less fluent in Japanese and am hoping that my French will regain its fluency in the next couple of years.
Lisa Clark
Age - None given
Languages & occupation - French. Working as a Modern Apprentice with IBM. Has visited IBM Paris twice and aims to work there
Profile - Learning a new language has opened my eyes to what opportunities are out there.
Leaving school after 6th year with a Higher in French, I was able to get a job as a Modern Apprentice within IBM. I am now in my 3rd year and my level of French has increased enormously, working everyday face to face with French people. I have an NVQ Level 3 in Information Technology, ECDL certificate, HNC in e-commerce and I am now working towards my HND for the same subject.
Without learning a language, I would not have applied for this job nor gained all these qualifications. I recommend learning a new language as it opens many career paths. You can still work in Scotland, and work for a company who deals with customers abroad, you can travel, you can work in the particular country, or you can simply make the most of your holiday as you can speak the language.
I have had the opportunity to visit IBM Paris twice and now my aim is to work there. The culture is great, people are friendly, and I had every opportunity of expanding my knowledge of my spoken language.
Neil Rae
Age - Not given
Languages & occupation - Japanese. Researcher of Japanese, UK and US comic book industries.
Profile - Put simply, my life would not be the same without having learned Japanese. I’ve made so many friends that I wouldn’t have gotten to know without being able to speak their language.
My current work involves researching the connections between the Japanese, US and British comic book industries, and obviously this would be impossible without my language skills – and I love what I do.
Doing something you enjoy in another language – whether it’s watching movies, playing sports, or in my case reading comics – is extremely challenging at first, but a fun way to learn. It might be difficult at first, but the payoff and self-satisfaction in being able to communicate in another language and understand other cultures is phenomenal.
Scotland is a small place, you can make international friends using English, but the opportunities and bonds become so much stronger when you can speak their language too.
Sarah English
Age - 26
Languages & occupation - German, French and Danish. Works for Scotland Europa in Brussels in Policy, Co-ordination and Development. Lived in Denmark during postgraduate study year. Partner is German.
Profile - I have been working for Scotland Europa in Brussels since October 2000, providing information and policy analysis about the European Union and its relevance to Scotland to a wide variety of Scottish organisations.
Although our working language is English, day-to-day life in a French-speaking city is about a lot more than just work and it wouldn't be the same if you couldn't try to communicate with people in French. Everything is definitely easier and more enjoyable if you can attempt to speak a bit of the language. As I did not study languages past secondary school I am very aware of how hard it is to pick them up later on so the basics you get at the beginning are really important!
When I finished University in Glasgow, I did a postgraduate Masters in European Social Policy Analysis and spent 6 months studying at Roskilde University in Denmark. Having attempted to learn and use Danish was a great help in getting to know people during my studies and is still useful for networking purposes today.
My experiences of studying in Denmark, and of living and working in an international city like Brussels, have shown me that even when you can easily use English to communicate, you will always learn more about people, make better friends and have many more doors opened for you if you can make an effort to use peoples' own language!
Susan Bell
Age - 25
Languages & occupation - Gaelic/French. Works at Sabhal Mor Ostaig as admissions officer.
Profile - My name is Susan Bell, I'm 25 years old and I currently live on the Isle of Skye. I speak Scottish Gaelic and French.
I graduated from the University of Glasgow with M.A. Joint Hons in Celtic Studies and Scottish Literature. I had started learning Gaelic doing my Standard Grade at school. I then spent a year studying at Sabhal Mòr Ostaig doing an immersion course. Now I’m back as Admissions Officer. We use Gaelic constantly 9 to 5. I speak Gaelic outside work with housemates, socially with staff and people in the community.
I went to Quebec with the British Council as a language assistant to teach English in a high school. I had done Standard Grade French and a year at university. Languages have given me the opportunity to travel, and the courage! I travel in many French-speaking countries without worrying about being lost or misunderstood.
Gaelic has opened up Scotland to me and took me to Nova Scotia, where there's still a Gaelic community. I wouldn't have the job I have now and get to live in such a beautiful part of Scotland without them.
Veronica McWatt
Age - 30
Languages & occupation - Spanish, French. Thanks to languages has a job in Brussels as the environment executive on European policy.
Profile - At high school I studied Higher French and Spanish and went onto University to do a degree in European Business Studies with Spanish. As part of my course I studied in Spain for 18 months before returning to Scotland to complete my degree. I then did an MSc in Energy and Environmental Studies.
It was thanks to my Spanish that I got my first job in Brussels and I am now the Environment Executive on European policy! Living and working in Brussels, it's always handy to be able to speak other languages.
Spanish still comes in useful for work purposes, especially when dealing with European Commission Officials or Members of the European Parliament from Spain and I have just started learning Dutch - the other official language of Belgium.
I would probably never have made it to Brussels and realised my dream of working in EU affairs if I hadn't spoken Spanish which gave me my first break. I certainly think more people should learn as many languages as possible because it can open so many doors and lead to many new experiences.