Foreign languages take-off at the University

Languages are starting to take off at the University of Teesside thanks to support from local Teesside International Airport.

The University, just a few miles from the Airport, successfully launched two new part-time evening courses last year for business people wanting to improve their skills in French and German.

And at a social evening for students from both courses, the Airport’s commercial manager, Richard Whitehouse, announced the winners of free return air tickets to France and Germany for two of the students brushing-up on their ability to speak either French or German.

The winner from the French for Work courses was Susan Collins, 35, from Ingleby Barwick, who works as Sales Administrator for Europe at for Armstrong World Industries, Thornaby. She will soon be jetting off to Paris, via London Heathrow. Susan plays the cornet for Billingham Silver Band and has been learning French ‘on-and-off’ for five years.

The winner of the German flight was Michelle Sprent, 26, from Thirsk, who works for SCA Nutrition at Dalton, North Yorkshire. She looks after the German account at work and was encouraged by her employers to go on the course. She will be using her prize to go on a trip to Hanover, where she has friends, flying via Amsterdam.

Michelle said: “I did German when I was 13 at school and although it was quite tough fitting it in, I think the course was just right for me and other business people who sometimes have to use the language at work.”

The next programme of foreign language courses for work start in September and this year Spanish is also on offer. To find out more about language courses offered by the University’s Business School please e-mail tbsug@tees.ac.uk or phone 01642 342807.

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