There has never been a better time to widen your horizons by learning a new language at SERC which offers the choice of seven.
Tessa Barrett, Deputy Head of School of Hospitality, Management, Tourism and Languages at SERC said, “Whilst many people learn a new language simply to have a better experience on their travels, taking steps to learn a second language can have lasting benefits for those in work and business or for someone who wants to appreciate the diversity of another culture.
She added, “There is a choice of seven languages at SERC – French, Spanish, German, Italian, Irish, Japanese and Arabic – with some courses from beginner level right through to advanced level. This year we are offering simultaneous face-to-face/online classes for all languages which means there is a bit more flexibility as to how you join the class depending on your own circumstances from week to week where you can choose to come into the class for the 2 hours or join online through Microsoft Teams.”
A trip to Italy back in 2000 led Bangor woman, Joan Cochrane (now in her sixties), into taking up a beginner’s Italian class at SERC which has since led to a GCSE and she’s about to start the final year of an OCN Level 4 Award in Italian. She said, “On my first trip to Italy I was very frustrated that I couldn’t communicate or even correctly pronounce place names in Tuscany. It was the pure frustration that spurred me to enrol in the beginners Italian at College and I have been there ever since.
“For me there is also the social aspect, I’ve made good friends over the years, we have a good laugh as well and it’s also about keeping the brain cells exercised. I have found that having a bit of the language makes any visit to Italy much more enjoyable, – the Italians are so delighted when you make the effort to speak the language and I have certainly found having some Italian very useful on trips to areas that are off the tourist trail.
She added, “When I was diagnosed coeliac a few years back, it was even more important that I could communicate my dietary needs whilst eating out – that’s part of the whole cultural experience and obviously I wanted to be able to fully enjoy the wonderful Italian food.”
Joan concluded, “It’s not like learning a language at school – there is no pressure, and the lecturer is brilliant at getting you involved in the class, sometimes without you even realising. The classes are good fun, and I’d certainly encourage anyone thinking about taking up a language to give it a go at SERC.”
The College also offer a 10 week after school French and Spanish course for primary school children at £30 per course.
Apply online now for courses commencing September at www.serc.ac.uk/part-time
Visit www.serc.ac.uk to find out how you could be part of the next generation of professionals #BetterOffAtSERC #OnlineAndOpenForBusiness Find us on Facebook, search SERC.
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A presto: A trip to Italy back in 2000 led Bangor woman, Joan Cochrane, into taking up a beginner’s Italian class at SERC which has since led to a GCSE and she’s about to start the final year of an OCN Level 4 Award in Italian through part-time study at the College.
