Routes into languages

Nick Johnston, Elizabeth Andersen & Poppy Shuttleworth

The Student Language Ambassador:a role model in the classroom, an exciting prospect for employers

Who are the student ambassadors?- Undergraduate language students at

any one of our partner universities- Studying a range of

languages- From all year groups- Complimented by

foreign exchange students

Student ambassadors at the Newcastle festival of international culture 2012

How is the team made up?

Student ambassadors put questions to a panel of experts at Beat the Rat Race employability event

What do they do?

- School visits- Presentations- Taster sessions- Event marshalling- Event planning- Admin- Team management

Student ambassadors take to the streets of Newcastle to promote languages with EasyJet

Why do they choose to become ambassadors?- Promote languages- Work experience- Improve public

speaking

- Working with schools

- Earning money

‘I loved it – getting involved in a project which made me feel I was making a real difference to young people’s perspectives and choices was a privilege.’

Kathryn Bradley, Newcastle University, 2011 Graduate

Student ambassadors leading groupwork at a language roadshow

Event feedback

“Engaging and good presentation which has made pupils think about their options. Getting the pupils to think about the use of a language from an employers point of view and the skills language learning gives you was particularly welcome.”Sue Beasley, Teesdale School, after a school visit

I really enjoyed the day-excellent opportunity for pupils for learning outside the classroom. The use of student ambassadors rather than teachers and pupils having opportunity to speak German were most useful. Thank you!Alicia Hamilton, Whickham School, after a German film day

It has really persuaded me to take languages further to GCSE, A level and possibly university. Year 9 pupil, St. Michael’s RC School, after a school visit

It was great to hear about the different ways that languages can help people to stand out on university applicationsYear 10 pupil, Longbenton, after a school visit

Thank you. You have changed my mind. I now want to take French in my GCSEYear 9 pupil, Joseph Swan School, after a school visit

What have they achieved?

- Consistently positive feedback from teachers

- Excellent role models for pupils

‘It was really great how the

ambassadors got stuck in during all

the activities. The students and staff

really valued their help’

Lynne Ranson, Teacher, Whitley Bay

High School

- Adaptable and skilled

- Passionate and motivated

Student ambassadors leading a Chinese taster session

What do they get out of it?

Student ambassadors working in the office to organise school visits

- Gain useful life skills

- Gain experience for applications and interviews

- Build on what they learn from their degree

- Improve employability

What happens to them after graduation?

Student ambassadors leading groupwork at a German & football event

- 95% of former SAs are currently employed or in further education

- Over one third are in education sector

- 86% used their Routes experience when applying for their post

- Transferable skills lead to a wide variety of professions

‘The experience I had in team work, leadership and organisation were infinitely valuable in my interview, and I’m not sure I would have had much to say in the interview without my RiL experience!’

Nick Yates, Newcastle University 2010 graduate.

Developing the model further- Student Ambassador

module being introduces- Ambassadors work for

academic credit not money

- Work with one partner school each

- Will work alongside RiL in first year