Starting my EMEL French and Arabic course in 2020 in the midst of a global pandemic, I arrived at Pembroke nervous about what my experience would be like; possibly the best thing about Pembroke and its culture in my year is how friendly everyone was, and how quickly I was able to build strong relationships with people despite the difficulties Covid-restrictions posed.  

As well as Pembroke’s welcoming charm which undoubtedly helped me settle in, their financial support has been of tremendous value. Book grants have allowed me to broaden my French literary repertoire, while exam prizes and scholarships have reduced my anxiety and financial concerns, allowing me to focus more on my studies and enjoying university to the fullest. College is also giving me financial support for my internship as a journalist in Togo this summer, something which would have been simply impossible without financial aid.

Studying two languages at once is not easy, but it proves to be rewarding sometimes when you least expect it – studying Arabic gave me a unique perspective on a piece of literature I studied at part of my French course. Likewise, studying French has been invaluable to learning the dialect of Arabic spoken in Tunisia, where I am now spending my year abroad. It is a choice I am so glad I have made, as seeing such a wide range of literary and grammatical material really helps you work out what you enjoy most and what you want to look at in more detail. 

https://www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/news/pembroke-student-undergraduate-journal-university-columbia

https://www.pmb.ox.ac.uk/news/pembroke-travels-joshua-kirkhope-arkley