Lauren Ockwell
I'd been studying French for a while so for me, it was the next step I needed to take in my language...
Why did you choose to do International Studies?
At the end of my degree I want to have the opportunity to live and work overseas. I started studying French when I was 12 so I’d like to continue with that.
Do you think the international component will help when you graduate?
Even if you’re not planning to travel with your job, it’s still a fantastic experience to live in another country, to experience another culture and learn another language.
You chose to do your in-country study year in Strasbourg. Why?
I’d already been to Strasbourg and I had really good memories of it. It is a beautiful city and its location means you can easily travel to the surrounding countries. Also, the Political Science Institute there really appealed to me.
Were all your classes in French?
Yes. I’d been studying French for a while so for me, it was the next step I needed to take in my language studies. But that isn’t the case for all International Studies students. You don’t have to speak a word of the language you choose – that’s the beauty of it. There are different levels available depending on your knowledge of your host country’s language, and you study four language semesters before you go too. Also, many of the exchange universities offer language schools for international students.
You stayed in Strasbourg for an extra six months and did an internship.
I’d had such a fantastic time that when the opportunity came up to work with a European non-government organisation in Strasbourg, I deferred for six months and took the position. I was involved in regional development, focusing on climate change, energy policies and working with EU legislation.
