"I am noted as an Italian and Arabic speaker in my law firm's interface. As a result, lawyers in need of foreign language abilities can ask me for translation assistance."
Major(s) and Certificate(s): International Studies; Certificate in Middle East Studies
Language(s): Italian, Arabic
Graduation Year: 2022
What motivated you to study this/these languages?
I have always enjoyed art history, particularly from the Renaissance era, and chose to study the Italian language in order to study abroad for a semester in Florence, Italy. I choose Arabic for a more practical reason. I plan on attending law school and would like to practice international arbitration. This field demands some level of foreign language proficiency, and Arabic is a worldwide language with hundreds of thousands of speakers.
What do you remember about your UW language classes? How were they different from other classes you took?
I did the APTLI program [now MEDLI] for beginner Arabic and appreciated the high level of immersion. The teacher would explain basic grammar concepts in English and then switch back to Arabic. The sink-or-swim setting provided the correct environment for accelerated language learning.
What have you done in a professional capacity since graduating from UW-Madison?
I have worked as a legal assistant at a law firm since graduation.
What are ways, either expected or unexpected, that your language study has benefited you in your career?
I am noted as an Italian and Arabic speaker in my law firm’s interface. As a result, lawyers in need of foreign language abilities can ask me for translation assistance.
How have you maintained or improved your language(s) since graduation?
I applied for and obtained a scholarship at the Sultan Qaboos Cultural Center in DC to study Arabic in their evening adult class in the Fall of 2022.
What advice do you have for students who are studying language(s) about how to incorporate their interests and skills into their future goals?
Focus on language skills now before entering the workforce. Foreign language abilities are helpful in every career, and the best time to study is when you are a student and have ample free time.