How languages changed my life:
I grew up in South Shields and had my first taste of a foreign language in primary school. We’d have a French lesson every Wednesday afternoon and I used to dread it. That all changed in secondary school, and French quickly became my favourite subject. I had such inspiring teachers at St Joseph’s Catholic Academy in Hebburn, who opened my eyes to the doors that could be opened by knowing a foreign language and understanding a different culture.
Every time I spoke in French, I remember thinking it was so impressive, and I became addicted to that feeling. Studying languages is all about making mistakes, but the excitement you feel when you get it right makes it all worth it.
When the time came to decide what to study at university, it had to be French. It was the only subject I’d ever truly loved, and knew there was still so much more to learn. I’d also had a taster of Spanish in Year 9, and regretted not studying it at GCSE level. I therefore decided to study Spanish from beginners level, alongside French.
At Newcastle University, I was able to study modules in French literature, history and culture. A lot of my time was also dedicated to learning Spanish- this was a challenge but so rewarding and worth it in the long run!
In my third year of University, I worked as an English Language Assistant for the British Council in Paris. It was such an amazing experience that completely exceeded my expectations. I couldn’t believe that I was holding conversations, understanding what was being said and being understood in return. It was something 13 year old me used to dream of.
I’m so passionate about showing young people how their lives can be changed by studying languages, travelling and meeting people from all over the world. I truly believe that learning new languages has made me a more compassionate and confident person, who is always open to learning new things and isn’t phased by making mistakes.
I have no doubt, those early school-based experiences studying French and learning about different lifestyles, have helped me get to where I am now.
I am now volunteering with the Express Yourself North East Festival of Languages to support schools with the Festival Song and Mother Tongue, Other Tongue activities for 7-18 year olds. I can’t wait to bring the magic to languages to young people in the North East!
Francesca Chastney
Volunteer at Express Yourself: North East Festival of Languages 2023
