As part of its charitable objectives, The Haileybury Society regularly provides Travel Grants to OHs seeking to enhance elements of their study or to enhance their educational or cultural development. We were delighted recently to assist Harry Flint-Cahan (LS & K 11) who dreams of a career in international football and is looking to improve his language skills. Here, Harry takes up his story…
Having spent my third year of university as an English assistant at a Lycée in Paris, I spent my entire 4th year longing to be back in amongst the chaos that is the French capital. Luckily, thanks to some help from the Haileybury Society, a return became possible, so I managed to spend a month reminiscing and revising. Since the year abroad and the finishing of my degree, my passion and desperation to learn French continues to hit new heights, but the only way to truly progress is immersion.
Real world French
The year abroad caused a dramatic improvement in ability which resulted in hunger for maintenance and further progress. Whilst lectures and seminars can be useful, the real words, phrases and conversations are enjoyed in the nation whose language you wish to learn.
A passion for football
The biggest passion I have in this life is for football, so I dream of working in the world of the game one day. I feel that if you can add a couple of languages to your repertoire, doors will become easier to open given the worldwide appeal of the Beautiful Game.
Unfortunately, during my year abroad I had to deal with an ongoing knee injury that put me out of any sporting action whilst there. I had to walk past a pitch 30 seconds from my flat every day and could not play. This killed me, but the August return made a debut sur la pelouse possible.
To gain an insight to the way of speaking in game was fascinating, but the switch up in ability to make friends and communicate was a joy. I went often and spoke a lot with regulars about all sorts of things (mostly football) which could not have been better for me.
Conversational French – incredible for self-development
Aside from the pitch, I made sure to maximise my time in conversation with French people. I explored all corners of the city and chatted with anyone I could! The impact that exposure like this can have on anyone’s language ability is infinite, but the importance of gaining this sort of experience is also incredible for self development in many other ways.
The best thing you’ll ever do
Whilst I was there, I met with friends I had made in my previous stay as well as meeting new friends who I am still in contact with today. But the best feature was at the end of the trip when my Gran came and stayed for the weekend. Time with her is invaluable and she loved every minute, especially the minutes involving wine!
If anyone can do a year abroad, I could not recommend anything more. If anyone can go away at all, wherever it is, for however long it may be, it might just be the best thing you ever did!
Harry Flint-Cahan (LS & K 11)
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