Preparing to study French at university: the view from students in England

Preparing to study French at university: the view from students in England

 

This post is part of a monthly series on bridging the gap between secondary and higher education. It is intended for students and teachers from both systems to reflect on how to make the transition smoother.

 

Robbie and Emma are second year students at the University of Portsmouth on two different courses involving French: Applied Languages, and International Development Studies & French.

 

Robbie Oliver, Applied Languages French & German

 

What have been the highlights of studying French at university?

My favourite aspect of studying French at university is the amount of support offered by the lecturers; whenever you’re stuck or need help with anything, you can always guarantee that you’ll receive what you need! Although the prospect of studying a foreign language at degree level is extremely daunting, you never feel alone and, provided you put the effort in, you’ll have no problems at all!

Have there been any challenges to the transition between sixth form and university?

Personally, the main challenge was the increased independence and the amount of extra study you aren’t expected to do. At first, the workload seems terrifying, but once you find the balance between work and pleasure, it’s completely manageable!

Any tips on how to prepare for studying French at university?

Since I started university, I have found it extremely useful to read the news and listen to the radio in French as much as I can- it doesn’t take up a lot of time and before you know it, you’ll find yourself subconsciously picking up new vocabulary, which is, of course, very beneficial to your French learning! But above all, do NOT think that you have to spend your life sat at your desk and studying- it’s best to just take each day as it comes and try and do what you can. Once you’ve started the course, you’ll begin to gauge the amount of extra work you need to do in order to keep up with the fast pace, so don’t worry!

 

 

Emma Booker-Milburn, International Development Studies & French

 

What have been the highlights of studying French at university?

My first year studying French has been lots of fun, and I have met a lot of people from many other countries! It has been really fun getting to know people from different countries and I think any language degree does tend to have a lot more international students in it! We have been able to study and discuss much more current and interesting topics at university compared to French at school, with debates on various world issues and current affairs! I have really enjoyed the World News Project videos in the Language Project classes, as they have challenged me, but upon completion you are left with the most fantastic feeling!

Have there been any challenges to the transition between sixth form and university?

The grammar for me is definitely the biggest challenge in the transition, it’s much harder and you have to devote a lot of time outside the class to study and practice the new grammar you learn each week! I found the transition quite hard at times because my relationships with lecturers at uni and teachers at school are very different, you see lecturers less so it’s hard at first but they are all really friendly!

Any tips on how to prepare for studying French at university?

Always, always, always keep on top of your grammar. It really is the most important part of learning a language! Watch the French news, or French Netflix, it helps to keep your ear in and is really useful!