Adrienn - Learn to learn again

Adrienn shares her story about picking up languages and language learning again and how the Berlitz approach helped her overcome the challenges that came her way

Previous Language Learning Experience

I first encountered language learning as a child; I started learning English at age 9, followed by Russian - which was still a mandatory subject at the time - when I was 10. I enjoyed it so much, that I earned my first degree in Russian in 1993 ( ! 🙂 ) at the College of Foreign Trade. I continued to use both languages during my studies at the University of Economics, and have been doing so ever since, both at work and in my personal life.

Motivation to study again and the introduction to the Berlitz Language School

I started learning German at Berlitz as an adult, starting at the absolute beginner level, because my husband and his family have relatives in Germany and Austria, and I was the only one in the family who didn’t speak German. A few years later, I passed the advanced professional C-level language exam in German.

The Berlitz Advantage, what made you consider Berlitz? 

I was looking for a school with a strong professional background and native-speaking teachers where I could learn in a way tailored to my personal needs. 

What did you find interesting or unique about the method? 

The native-speaking teaching and that we did not use a single Hungarian word.

What was the most memorable thing about Berlitz and working with us?

It’s hard to recall specific details after all these years, but I’m glad I’ve been studying with Martina Havas (my instructor) from the very beginning. 

What was the biggest challenge you faced while learning?

Not having enough time to do my homework. 🙂 

What changed in your life as a result of learning the language?

It keeps my mind and my ability to learn sharp to this day. 

Was there a moment or experience when you felt that “it’s working now,” that you could use your language skills confidently?

Yes, specifically with my Russian skills which had grown rusty after I graduated because I hadn’t used it in a while. It was nice to experience that, after starting over, some Russians considered me a local.

What advice would you give to those who are just starting to learn a language?

PERSISTENCE – DILIGENCE – AND LOTS OF PRACTICE!

It is a completly different feeling to speak a foreign language authentically and from your own experience, than to communicate using translation programs and apps.

Is there anything else you’d like to share about your experiences?

Learning a language is much easier and more enjoyable today than it was when I started as a child.

Everyone should take advantage of the opportunities offered by today’s technology; it helps you improve your language skills much more effectively. 

And let’s not be afraid to speak up - it doesn’t matter if we’re right or wrong - let’s just speak up. 

If I ever become a time-millionaire, I’d love to learn Arabic. 🙂