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Alumni Profiles

It’s not always easy to see the connections between learning a language and a career/life path. So, we reached out to alumni to ask about how learning a language influenced their lives, careers, and worldviews. Here’s what they had to say!

Grey male silhouette

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Chia)

“Going to a country very opposite to Canada was eye opening and challenged my perception of the world. I recommend it for…”

Scott and friends on the beach in Japan

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Scott)

“Towards the end of high school, I felt compelled to learn a new language…10 years later, I live in southern rural Japan, where 95% of …

Katie smiles for the camera

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Katie)

“Studying abroad doesn’t just teach you a language, it transforms the way you see yourself and your place in the world.“

John smiles for the camera

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (John)

“I fell in love with Japanese after starting the classes and it totally changed my career (and life) trajectory.“

Jabir in a suit and tie.

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Jabir)

“I did a year-long exchange in my third year in Santiago, Chile at the Universidad de Chile. It was an all-round great experience, and I …

Solar panels and wind farm

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Patrick)

“I no longer use my language training on a day-to-day basis but the experience early in my career played a huge part in directing me …

Ayumi and Alec in their wedding picture

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Alec)

“…if you have the chance, go study abroad! Immerse yourself in the culture and language…because that will just completely change your ability to speak …

Jessica pointing at the viewer

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Jessica)

“Minoring in Italian was one of the most unexpectedly rewarding choices I made during university. What started as a casual interest in the language quickly …

Dallas sitting comfortably in a suit with his hands on his knees

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Dallas)

After finishing his degree with a Minor in Mandarin Chinese, Dallas Waldie (BIB/13) moved to Taiwan where he…

Rumya smiles for camera

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Rumya)

“…Learning Spanish has pushed me to become more confident in learning other languages, think critically, and visit countries that I did not think was possible …

Lindsay smiles at the camera

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Lindsay)

“I very distinctly remember feeling like I was part of a community, which was important to me as a mature student and first-gen student.“

Fire fighter hat

Where Learning a Language Can Take You (Yo)

“I currently work as a Firefighter in a municipality of Toronto with a pop. demographic of over 50% Chinese and every week I encounter patients …

Want to share?

Are you a Modern Languages alum? Would you like share your language learning experience with us? We’d love to hear what you have to say!