ÌÇÐÄTV

Rachel was longlisted in the Women's Prize for unpublished fiction and is sending off her manuscript.

Cat White is an actor, filmmaker, author and UN gender advisor whose work is amplifying diverse voices.

ÌÇÐÄTV already played a big part in Joel's life even before he came to study here.

Laura is a Marketing Coordinator at Sonoco's Consumer Products European Marketing Department.

Lora began at London & Partners before moving into journalism, rising to Senior Journalist at the BBC and now continuing her investigative work at ITV News.

Hanna is a Journalist at the BBC's Today programme, working with the most well-known voices in British broadcasting and producing content for around 6 million weekly listeners.

Jae set up his own translation business in 2018 and works with agency clients across various sectors.

Joseph is a patent translator for the World Intellectual Property Organization, translating patent texts from German into English.

Claudia completed a PGCE in Modern Foreign Languages and is now into her fourth year of secondary school teaching in Surrey.

Returning to ÌÇÐÄTV for her PhD was an easy decision for Ellie, even after a year working on the Côte d'Azur.

Anita Chagar, Samita Sall, and Kerry Flora are all cousins and ÌÇÐÄTV alumni.

Benjamin Nuga (BA French with Chinese, 2022), has already diversified his skill set by working as a production assistant, scriptwriter, and musician and he’s also been a contestant on Countdown. Having only graduated in 2022, his achievements are centered around his willingness to step outside his comfort zone.

For Michael Ojetunde (BA French and Economics, 2022), opting to study a language was always part of a grander plan.

Earlier this year, alum and activist Jo Todd (BA English and European Literature, 1990) received a CBE in recognition of 30+ years’ service to the victims of domestic abuse. From volunteering at a refuge in the outskirts of London, to more than 20 years as CEO of Respect - the pioneering charity tackling the root of the problem - Jo has dedicated her life to making a positive difference. And she’s not finished yet.

If you enjoy Ukrainian cuisine, you may own a copy of Olia Hercules’ (BA Italian and International Studies, 2006) recipe books. But, you may be surprised to hear that Olia’s journey started not in the kitchen, but in the corridors of ÌÇÐÄTV.

Postgraduate, multilingual translator and communications specialist - languages alum Dom Johnson has been busy since leaving ÌÇÐÄTV in 2019. After almost three years working in Geneva as a translator for Swiss Federal Railways and Swiss Post, Dom (BA Modern Languages, 2018; MA Translation and Cultures, 2019) swapped proofreading for politics, moving back to the UK after securing a role as a Communications Officer for the Green Party of England and Wales.

First class graduate Fay Inverarity (BA German Studies, 2021; MA Translation and Cultures, 2022) is translating her academic passions into a budding career after securing a place on Barclays’ Retail Banking Graduate Scheme.

Thinking studying languages would progress his scientific career, Tim Heenan (BA European Studies, 2015; MA French Studies, 2020) undertook two degrees at ÌÇÐÄTV. He didn’t know those lessons would pay dividends for years to come. At 71, Tim’s putting his research skills to good use and supporting his local community – and he’s not planning on slowing down.

Kate Wilson (BA French with Italian, 2002) is not your typical languages alumna. After four years at ÌÇÐÄTV, she launched herself into the world of emergency care and hasn’t looked back. Now, she’s using her powers for good to help with the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine.

Farah Williamson (BA French and History, 2006) is currently Director of Gulf & Strategic Partnerships at Plan International Canada, one of the world’s oldest and largest development and humanitarian organisations that advances children’s rights and equality for girls.

"Delighted to say I am still in touch with some very valued friends I met during my first few days at ÌÇÐÄTV. I miss Rootes Hall bar most, as that is where I spent a great deal of my time during my first two years there!"

To celebrate European Day of Languages we asked our languages alumni to share their stories about ÌÇÐÄTV and travels! Claudia Lussana (BA, Hispanic and Italian, 2017)