Second language learning second nature
Rosa Swanepoel has a knack for languages. The Victoria University Master’s student was born in South Africa and grew up speaking Afrikaans. She learnt English at four years old, around the time her family moved to New Zealand.
Rosa has since added German and Italian to her language repertoire and last year completed a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Italian and Media Studies with a minor in German.
Her skill with languages is matched by her knack for timing. Just as she was contemplating postgraduate study, Rosa discovered Victoria was offering a new subject, Second Language Learning and Teaching in the Master of Arts programme. It was, she says, the 'perfect fit'.
"I've always wanted to pass on my passion for languages, and my Master's is giving me the opportunity to learn how to do that effectively. Just because you speak a language, doesn’t mean you automatically know how to teach someone else to speak it."
Rosa admits taking on Master's study has been a big step up from her undergraduate years.
"Essay writing in particular has been a lot more challenging, but the feedback and support I've had from my tutors has been fantastic. We’re definitely at a whole new level and being pushed to think differently."
Having gained experience in private language tutoring during her studies, Rosa is confident that following her passion will also allow her to pursue a fulfilling career path.
"It will be all about languages," she says. 'Whether that's private tutoring, freelance translation, lecturing or policy work."
Whatever she does, Rosa wants to inspire people and broaden their horizons—something for which her studies and time at Victoria have stood her in good stead.
"I've had some great teachers at Victoria—some contagious teachers. I want to be that."