Meet Oliver

How did you choose your degree subject?

I chose Modern Languages because of how much I loved studying Spanish and History at A Level. After looking at the details of the course at Birmingham, I decided it was the one for me because of its focus on different historical events from across the Spanish speaking world and their contexts within different films, essays, and works of art and literature.

I also decided to pick up Mandarin Chinese from beginner level because it is so different from another European language. I believe it will help with my employability to be versed in a culture and language which many English people know little about.

Best module?

My favourite module I've studied so far are the Translation in Practice optional modules which I took in first and second years. Because of GCSE and A Level exams, translation seemed like an intimidating and boring task which was there to test your grammar and vocab skills, but from these translation modules I learned how far this is from how translation actually works in the real world.

These modules have equipped me with the skills to tackle a range of translations of different forms, and have given me experience in software which I'm likely to see in the translation industry. They really sparked my love of translation!

What's the most underrated spot in Birmingham?

I think the most underrated place in Birmingham is Chinatown and the different bakeries and restaurants within it. It's smaller than the one in London, but that doesn't mean it's any less full of great food and drinks. Couple this with the fact that it's next door to the vibrant nightlife of the Gay Village, and the Birmingham Chinatown is a great place to visit day or night.

What's one piece of advice you can share for incoming students?

My advice would be to take advantage of every opportunity you get to practise your language skills. Whether that be the extra-curriculars that the languages department puts on, or by engaging in different societies which offer cultural immersion events - you can't go wrong with extra practice!

Favourite part of your degree?

The year abroad and the extra confidence it gave me in my own language ability was absolutely the best part of the course so far! The cultural immersion I gained from this experience will definitely help me in final year when tackling culturally specific issues in my dissertation and picking up extra marks in exams.