Everyone knows learning a language is hugely valuable. Not only can it unlock communication with millions of new people, but it also increases your employability, improves your cognitive function, helps with problem-solving and enhances life satisfaction. One major factor that drew me to Bath was the ability to study Spanish outside of my degree, with the University’s Modern Languages teachers.

Starting my Spanish language classes

My first year at university was towards the end of the Covid era, and language classes were online. There is a level available for everyone, and after an initial one-to-one session, I was invited to the Advanced classes. These took the form of one-hour weekly sessions, in a class of roughly twelve students, from first years to PhD candidates. Every week I would look forward to an hour away from the stress of my degree to participate in a relaxed class where I could develop my Spanish. At the end of the ten-week course, I was happy with the progress I’d made, and it was great to have a break over the Christmas and January exam season before signing up for another course.

Discovering the Portuguese language

In my second semester, I took online classes in beginner Portuguese. This was a different experience to the Spanish classes, as they were much more focused on developing an appreciation for a new language, rather than learning rigid rules. This was a fun new perspective, which I believe has really helped my Spanish learning too! It’s also interesting to learn how different Brazilian Portuguese and Portuguese are. Brazilian Portuguese is more like Spanish, but I think I prefer Portuguese from Portugal!

Developing my Spanish skills

In my second year, classes were held in person, and I joined the Advanced Spanish group. Developing connections with new people, improving confidence in public speaking, and finding new ways to unwind outside of lectures are core components of these lessons. We even did ‘mindfulness in the classroom’ – simple yoga-like stretches before each lesson, in Spanish, to get the blood flowing and make us feel more active and receptive. At first, I was highly sceptical – but it really does work!

I’m looking forward to re-joining the Advanced Spanish classes in my final year. I know that despite the extra workload, the classes will be hugely beneficial, so it will be a good distraction from my degree.

Try out a language class for yourself

Language courses are offered at every level from complete beginner to advanced, so do take the plunge and sign up for a ten-week course! The University’s language classes are excellent because they stimulate a love for language learning, in order to develop yourself and improve your skills outside of the lessons.