Access DVD - Studying Modern Languages at Oxford

Transcript

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How do the language options work?

Mark: You apply directly to the faculties - whatever subject you've taken at A-Level, and if you choose to take up another one, there's a list of ones you can take up.

What is the average work week like?

Sofia: In the first year you get a meeting - a tute for each language with each tutor. In the second year, you have one a week, which is much more manageable. But you've got a lot more to read. In terms of languages, you usually have one class a week, and then your lectures on top of that.

Mark: As far as ab initio is concerned, you'll given a lot more conduct time, because it's a bit more of an intense course. But when you're taking a subject post A-level, then you'll have more time to do reading outside of classes.

Sofia: Do you have aurals as well? We have a couple of aural classes.

Mark: I have aurals in both Russian and French.

Can you explain the year abroad?

Sofia: This is happening next year for both of us actually, because if you do language ab initio (like Arabic and Russian) you leave in your second year. For French, Spanish and German you do it in your 3rd year. You have three options: teaching assistance theme, studying at a university in the country, or find own work through your own contacts. I initially tried to do an art course in Spain, but that didn't really work out, so I'm teaching next year.

Mark: Mine's already organised by the university. I'm going to Russia.

How do you finance year abroad?

Mark: You apply for your student loan as normal, bursaries and grants from the university.

Sofia: Yeah, there are travel grants.

Are there any language related extracurricular activities?

Mark: There are societies for every language out there. You don't have to studying the language itself.

Sofia: There are also lots of film societies - you can do a film option in final year.

Many thanks to Mark Johnson and Sofia Kaba-Ferreiro for this interview!

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