Language Learning Alumni Project
Life does not always move in straight lines and connections between the choices we make today and the paths our lives take tomorrow often only become visible in retrospect.
This is especially true of learning a language. With this in mind, we contacted alumni who graduate with language minors 5+ years ago to ask them how they think learning a language has influenced their lives and careers.
Here’s what they had to say.
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…”
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 …
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.“
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.“
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 …
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 …
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 …
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 …
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…
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 …
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.“
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!