Name: Suzannah Young
Degree: BA English Literature and a Modern Language (French)
Year of graduation: 2009
Current Job title: Communications Officer at FEANTSA (European Federation of National Organisations Working with the Homeless), Belgium
Background:
I grew up in Northampton, a town in the South of England, went to a state school and learnt a bit of French at secondary school, then studied it at A-level. I played music in a county concert band and at sixth form.
Why Manchester and why languages?
I came to Manchester to play in a concert band competition a few years before starting university and loved the city — it was so friendly, so lively, there were so many cultural things to do (music, theatre, cinema, art, museums, the list goes on...) and the parks were nice!
I chose languages for a couple of reasons: 1. I realised that I have a talent for them after spending a few months working in France in my gap year; 2. I like travelling, meeting new people and learning about different cultures; 3. They are incredibly useful for making both personal and professional contacts (this has proved particularly true since graduating); 4. It probably has something to do with the fact that my parents always made an effort to learn a couple of phrases in the local language when we went on holiday.
Year abroad
I studied at Université Paris IV Sorbonne for a year
This was a very valuable experience — it taught me a lot about living independently and adapting to new situations and was extremely enriching culturally and in terms of the friendships I made. My French improved greatly as well (once I got over the initial nervousness, which I managed to do by realising that everyone makes mistakes, even in their mother tongue and you don't have to be embarrassed!)
What next?
After a summer in a language school in Madrid, I started a 6-month stage in a European NGO (Brussels), with which I was already in contact because I asked them about the possibility of working there during my year abroad. The homelessness aspect was something I became interested in whilst volunteering with Student Action Manchester, and the European aspect came from my degree.
Where are you now?
At the same NGO with a permanent position. I have been here for 2 years now.
Do you still use your languages?
Yes, every day — the two official languages of our organisation are English and French and I sometimes use the other languages I have learned subsequently (Spanish, a bit of Italian and some Dutch) at work and with my friends.