As a Modern Languages student at Bath, you’re part of a genuine community where people truly care about your progress, your wellbeing, and your ambitions.
The course itself is focused on learning to understand people - their perspectives and how they are shaped by their cultures.
During my professional placement in Italy, I realised how respected you are when you make the effort to communicate in someone else’s language. It shows empathy and respect, and is something you carry with pride. That experience taught me that language opens doors both professionally and personally.
Building confidence by taking on challenges
One of the biggest transformations for me has been with confidence and ignoring self-doubt. When I joined Bath, I found public speaking terrifying. By the time I reached my fourth year, that fear had turned into something I genuinely enjoy, and it is such a powerful tool! Presentations, discussions, and interviews no longer make me panic.
In my second year, I was struggling with self‑doubt until I got a high first for my Latin American history essay. The lecturer said it was one of the best they’d seen since 2015 and told me to ‘keep going’. I thought it was a mistake until I saw my name. That moment stayed with me.
I’ve learned that confidence isn’t something you are born with; it’s something you build by facing fear, practising, and reminding yourself to keep going even when you doubt yourself.
At Bath, it’s safe to challenge yourself, to try things, to extend your comfort zone. That mindset shaped me more than anything.
My dad always used to say, ‘it’s fine once you get in.’ He meant the cold sea, but I’ve come to think it applies to any new world that feels intimidating at first. Once you let yourself move, float, and swim, the fear softens. The cold becomes something else. My biggest advice for future students is simple: do the thing that scares you. If you always choose comfort, you stay where it is shallow. Growth waits in the deep end, in the unknown.
'A passport to life’
Enrico describes languages as ‘a passport to life’, and that is exactly what my degree has been.
Before my year 3 abroad, he told me it would change my life. He was right.
That year abroad was like a breath of fresh air. It gave me a global mindset and made me realise I want to live and work abroad for part of my life. My priorities have shifted, and I now want work that challenges and a life where I feel connected to other people and cultures.
For my time abroad, I chose to combine studying in Madrid and working in Florence, and it was the best decision I could have made.
Madrid was incredible for study; I fell into a routine of lectures, libraries, and evenings studying. Florence then gave me the independence of professional life. I loved finishing a day’s work and having weekends completely free, soaking up Italian life, travelling around the country, and not worrying about essays for a while!
The Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences placements team has a brilliant network of partner universities and employers to choose from.
My workplace in Florence, ABC, happened to be somewhere Enrico had worked before. Walking in and seeing his photo on the wall made me feel like Bath was still with me, even though it was thousands of miles away. The placement office also put us in touch with previous students who had been there, which eased a lot of the anxiety about what to expect, and they were available for any concerns or check-ins when needed.
My advice for anyone wanting to study Modern Languages at Bath
My biggest advice for future students is simple - do the thing that scares you. If you always pick the comfortable option, you will never grow. The year abroad is your chance to see what you’re made of, within the safety of university support. You will come back stronger, with the kind of resilience and confidence that no classroom can teach.
Outside of classes, I adore Bath as a city, from its café culture to the stunning architecture. I try to keep a balance between study and leisure, but I do love exploring new restaurants and bakeries - Landrace Bakery does the best cinnamon buns!
I sometimes wish I had joined more societies early on; there are so many ways to meet people at Bath beyond your course. It is something I now tell everyone: make the most of all the opportunities that come your way here!
