Spanish Diploma Here I Come!

In December I passed my Spanish course with the Open University. I was really relieved, but also looking forward to taking on the third level and completing the Diploma.

My reasons for continuing study

I started to study Spanish at a night class, at the organisation where I now work as fate would have it. After going as far as I could there, I enrolled with the OU for the Spanish Diploma, which is a comparable level to a degree, but not a full degree as it is not as many hours, if that makes sense. As I already have a degree, I wasn’t so concerned about that, I just wanted to learn Spanish and have the piece of paper that said I could.

At the time I was teaching, and as a language teacher I found that having only one foreign language was somewhat limiting in terms of career progression. I decided on Spanish as it is growing in popularity here in the UK, and at some point in my life I would like to take an extended trip to South America.

Life has other plans

 When I finished with teaching, I took a year away from the OU course, but I decided to go back because this time it was for my own personal interest and development. This time it means even more to me to succeed. It can be hard combining study with a full time job, especially when it is at this level. I know this next year will be challenging, but I also know I can do it.

Just in time for Christmas

The first parcel of teaching materials came through two days before Christmas. I actually felt happy, even though there is just so much material, and memories of last year and how hard it was at times came flooding back. Then I remembered the summer school, and how good it was to meet with other people who were finding it just as hard, and the great time we all had (even though the first two days were so difficult).

I guess my primary motivation for learning languages is just a desire to connect with people, just like blogging. Although there is no compulsory summer school this year, I may try and go over to Spain and do an intensive course for the hell of it.

OK, enough blogging, I’m on my way to open those books now!

Are you a lifelong learner? Is there a skill that you’ve always wanted to learn but never got round to? Share your experiences in Comments.