Olivia Bounds

Degree Completed

Diploma in Modern Languages (German) (2014)

Describe you UNE study experience

Studying with UNE provided me with the flexibility I needed to complete my Diploma whilst simultaneously commencing my undergraduate degree in psychology in Adelaide. I had looked into many options across other universities in completing my German studies I had started during college and found that UNE was the most supportive and enthusiastic for online study. Initially I had concerns with continuing to learn a language online as I was unsure how I was going to be able to continue to progress in my expressive language skills. My lecturer, however, was readily engaged and willing to help out us students who were not in the classroom, which ultimately motivated me to progress in my studies.

What are you doing today with your degree?

Whilst of late I have switched focuses to completing my postgraduate psychology degree in Hobart, I have found my studies with UNE has helped me along the way to gain experience which in turn has built on my skills as a psychologist. To provide just one example, I worked with children in Croatia whereby people from all over Europe and beyond attended and whilst my German skills were useful in communicating with children and families from German-speaking countries, it also taught me the importance of communication. I learned the power of nonverbal communication and gained an appreciation for the perseverance it takes to explore other ways of interacting when two people don't share the same language. Looking back at my studies in German, I look forward to being able to use these skills during travel and volunteer work overseas in the future.