UPEI students bring a taste of Canada to students in Spain and France

Three UPEI students are bringing the English language and a taste of Canadian culture to elementary, secondary and language students in Spain and France in 2009-2010.

UPEI student Darrah Richardson of Hunter River won a highly sought after lectorship last spring from the Spanish Embassy to work in Andalucía, Spain, as a language and culture assistant. She is teaching English to students in grades 6 to 12.

Richardson, who is studying Spanish, is the first UPEI student to receive one of these lectorships. Competition is stiff, with students from across Canada and the United States competing for only 1,200 vacancies.

This position is ideal for Richardson. 'I have a passion for the Spanish language,' she says, adding that she would like to get her degree in the language. 'And I like teaching and working with people.'

While she is sharing the English language and Canadian culture with her students, she is also immersed in the culture and language of Spain.

'There is a big difference between learning Spanish in the classroom in Canada and learning it in Spain,' she said. 'In Spain you hear it (Spanish) everywhere and every day, and you have to use it. The best way to learn is to immerse yourself in the language and culture.'

UPEI graduates Caitlin Brown of Richmond and Anthony Scott of Cornwall are working as language and culture assistants in France through CIEP, a public organization based in France that focuses on education and languages. Among other things, CIEP promotes the French language abroad and the teaching of foreign languages in France.

Brown and Scott, both of whom majored in French at UPEI, are helping high school students in Orleans and Roanne respectively to learn English. While they are both fluent in French, they see their time in France as an opportunity to improve their French even more and to gain new cultural and life experiences.

Dr. Doreley Coll, chair of UPEI's Modern Languages department, is proud of the success of the university's language students in competing for international positions.

'The value of an international experience for university students cannot be overestimated. Participation in these programs gives our students an experience in learning and life that they will never forget and will share with fellow Canadian students when they come back."

For more information about these programs, please contact the UPEI Modern Languages department at (902) 566-0480.