Find out more about the experiences of our community, from how new students have settled into University life, to how former students have used School of Modern Languages degrees in their careers.
"What was unique about the department [when I started] was its inter-disciplinary nature... Since then, the disciplinary range has increased to include music, film, colonial history, medieval studies, contemporary politics, and even cuisine..."
"There is a really great spirit among Russian colleagues which students pick up straight away. I like the close, informal relationship we have with our students and the connection between what we teach and what we research..."
"Thanks to my year abroad I’m no longer daunted by moving to another country... The year abroad gives you confidence and the possibility to nourish your curiosity of other cultures, and I will study this from an academic point of view during my MA next year..."
"My year abroad in Bordeaux was incredible; I met so many great people. I’m also still in contact with the French people I have met, which I believe has been a very positive influence on maintaining my French!..."
"Bristol has a reputation of exclusivity, and yet they were the only university to give me the opportunity to change my life. It is good to know that if you have anything that makes you different they recognise your capabilities above your disabilities..."
"Being able to speak French, Spanish and Portuguese is a major part of my job and has been a huge bonus to my career..."
"I have now finished my first year and it has been a fantastic year both academically and socially. I have picked up beginners’ Russian and, in just one year, have already reached post A-level ability..."
"Staff and students are closely connected and easily available to one another, which makes working interesting and relaxing, knowing there is plenty of support available..."
"Learning a language ab-initio was always going to be a challenge... Nevertheless, from day one, the Italian Department and its teachers and lecturers have been a great help, and at times even inspiring..."
"Student societies have also been great; introducing us to the School of Modern Languages through welcome events, socials, free talks, mentoring schemes, and have also provided us with a bank of useful tips for our year abroad..."
"Having taken my BA and MA at other universities, I chose to come to Bristol for my PhD because of its lively, enthusiastic academics and the wonderful facility of the graduate school and I have not been disappointed..."
"From the outset, I found the Italian Department and the School of Modern Languages a brilliant environment in which to learn and study. Here it has been possible to meet people working on multiple projects with varying research interests; including literature, film, cultural studies, history and politics..."
"I’m inspired here by the breadth of expertise and the ability to collaborate with like-minded people... Research funding [now] encourages collaboration, benefiting staff and students alike, and Bristol is an ideal place in which to exploit this trend to the full..."
"Looking back now, what we studied as undergraduates in Hispanic Studies had an impressive depth and breadth, but it never felt outside my reach or ability..."
