Graduating Linguistic University? What’s next?
WeLoveUA inquired last year students of the Kyiv National Linguistic University. What future expects them?
KNLU is one of the most prestigious University for studying foreign languages in our country. It counts over 7 000 students. Every year a large number of students enters to the University with the aim to learn the most popular at the labor market languages, like German, English, French and as well non-standard European languages – Hungary, Polish, Czech, Dutch and Far-Eastern – Japanese, Korean, Chinese, Hindi, Near-Eastern – Arabic languages.
Certainly, first year students suspect “golden mountains” from future profession: someone hopes for high-paid job of translator, someone hopes for teaching at the most prestigious private schools of the country and someone studies with the goal to immigrate overseas. However, difficult economic situation in Ukraine and totally not high-level material base of the University (which reveals itself at first months of studying) does not add confidence and optimism to the future linguists.
So what do students think about their perspective after graduation? Furthermore, we would like to know about perspectives that employers could offer for young specialists. Nevertheless, interesting what students think about their University?
Last-year students’ comments
Bogdan, studying Arabic
I’ve decided on my future: I want to work with the Arabic. But I don’t want enter to the Masters course here: University disappointed me with his passivity to participate in international programs, and about the practice I generally keep quiet. Company for it I had to find myself.
As for the perspectives of working with the Arabic in Ukraine, it is. Recently, more and more companies enter into contracts with suppliers from the Middle East. And for the language you will get more than a translation from the English or German. Besides the competition here is less.
Anonym, studying Japanese
The perspectives are much diffused: firstly, to learn Japanese without practice in the country is very difficult, almost impossible. And to take into consideration the rate of exchange the trip will be cost dearly, like an apartment at the center of the city. Linguistic University, of course, does not offer any programs; we sit here like at the cell, without any chance to change something.
Regarding the work as a translator of Japanese, it is … But then again, you need a perfect knowledge of the language, but it is impossible get it at University. Experience? It is funny, but here you will not find even company for practice. Unfortunately, I can image only one solution of the problem: successful marriage.
Olga, studying Chinese
The University has a program concerned with studying of Chinese language. I know people who went to China for a year. As for me, I can see the perspectives for working with the Chinese, because this language became more and more popular.
Anonym, studying Chinese
I’m totally disappointed. The University does not give a good knowledge. I don’t see any perspective to find a good job. To be honest, I do not want to even talk about this, I’m in depression about this.
Anonym, studying German
Ooh, even don’t ask! The University does not offer programs related for studying or working with German. The biggest perspective that I can see is to became a teacher and work at the University. But salary is too small. I do not know what expect me in the future, but, even so, I don’t want enter to the Masters course here under the pain of death: just hate this University.
Anonym, studying English
As for the university, in addition, everything is always ruined and was not repaired since 1946, I am ready to give you an example: one of our teachers used after modal verbs «to». So I am saying, «I should to go». After this you can make your own conclusions. We are studying with books of 1970 – this is the norm. Although, in fact, it is very sad.
Perspectives? Like any English translator has practically invisible.
Хто такі «гуманітарії», і як не помилитися з вибором професії. Все чітко та зрозуміло тут: http://znoclub.com/vybir-pofesii-abo-vyzy/170-khto-taki-gumanitariji-i-yak-ne-pomilitisya-z-viborom-profesiji.html