Graduating with Spanish and Korean, Charlie Angell has embraced global opportunities—from studying abroad in Seoul to preparing for a teaching placement in Spain.
Charlie Angell recently graduated with a degree in Modern Languages in Spanish and Korean. Charlie’s love of languages meant that she also took the opportunity to study British Sign Language as an elective alongside Spanish and Korean. Before starting university, Charlie had studied Spanish at A-Level and only knew how to read Hangul (the Korean alphabet). This meant both languages had to be approached from very different angles. Charlie said, “I chose the University of Lancashire due to the variety of languages offered along with the ability to combine them in any way which suited me best.”
One of the highlights of her degree was spending her third year abroad at Sungkyunkwan University in Seoul, South Korea. Immersed in Seoul’s vibrant daily life, Charlie’s Korean language skills developed in ways that wouldn't have been possible in the UK. Those everyday interactions steadily built confidence in a language that once seemed unfamiliar and distant.
"Living in Seoul meant using the language every day - whether I was opening a bank account or chatting with friends. Each interaction built my confidence in speaking a language I had barely known before starting university."
— Charlie Angell, BA (Hons) Modern Languages (Spanish and Korean)
After returning from Korea, Charlie began an internship with the Worldwise Centre as a Spanish Language Assistant in the final year of her studies. In this role, she helped first-year students build confidence and improve their Spanish-speaking skills outside of class. This was Charlie’s first experience of helping others learn a new language. It later inspired the decision to apply for the British Council’s English Language Assistant programme. Charlie is looking forward to spending ten months in Spain working to help students to practise their English skills in schools.
"Over the course of my studies, I’ve learned to be more resilient and adaptable in the face of uncertainty. I’ve also become more open to new experiences, which has given me a greater sense of confidence as I look to the future."
— Charlie Angell, graduate of Spanish and Korean degree
Choosing to study languages at university had not been an easy decision. Before enrolling, Charlie had been mostly focused on STEM subjects. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic she reassessed her goals and chose to focus on language learning. Charlie has never regretted this choice. Studying languages full-time pushed Charlie outside of her comfort zone. Through the experience, she built up her resilience and adaptability. Thanks to the excellent resources, welcoming study spaces, and constant support provided by the University’s Worldwise Centre, Charlie has thrived.
Looking ahead beyond university, Charlie feels ready to enter the working world on a more global level, equipped with both the language and interpersonal skills throughout the time at the University of Lancashire.