From Egypt to Kenya: how Michael’s Arabic study led to a career in sub-Saharan Africa
Michael’s Journey

Stories to help you write your language learning story
From Egypt to Kenya: how Michael’s Arabic study led to a career in sub-Saharan Africa
In a couple of our articles, you’ve been introduced to Emily, who’s been highlighted for her self-efficacy and the way learning Arabic shaped her career path. Here’s more of her story:
Perhaps if you’re introverted, you’ve wondered if language learning isn’t rigged in favor of the extroverts.
Self-efficacy is a belief in oneself and one’s ability to accomplish specific tasks or goals.
Kylie [not her real name] was a Political Science major and a low “B” student in her fourth semester Arabic course. She was not an experienced language learner, but she had vision, discipline and a high degree of self-awareness. She was a master of positive self-talk. When doubts about her ability to persevere and succeed troubled her, she reminded herself …
Spoiler Alert: Spending a semester in a country where they speak your target language will not automatically make you a better speaker.
Learning a language is like training for an athletic event or performance. Like an athlete or performer, a language learner needs to be able to receive specific, targeted feedback in order to make a noticeable improvement.
For many students, spending time in-country with native speakers can help them see the beginnings of where their language can take them.
Acquiring a high degree of proficiency in another language doesn’t just benefit those who want to use it in their day-to-day professional lives.
How Anna’s mental visions helped to hone her Chinese skills