I have always had a passion for experiencing and learning about new cultures. This is probably the reason why at school I enjoyed studying European languages, such as French and Spanish.
It was also likely the driving force behind my decision to study law at the University of Nottingham. I chose to study law with European law because I knew this would give me the option of studying a year abroad through the Erasmus programme.
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Situated in the capital Nicosia, the University of Cyprus (UCY) is a public academic institution that has been admitting students since 1992. Besides the high-quality education they receive, students enrolled at UCY can enjoy a warm Mediterranean climate, breathtaking beaches and delicious cuisine.
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The reasons to take a Duolingo English Test (DET) go way beyond the requirement of a university or employer to meet a certain standard of written and spoken language. If someone is attending a course in an English-speaking country, they will need to speak the language to manage their lives outside lessons – from opening a bank account to arranging accommodation.
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If students and institutions are going to have confidence in a high-stakes test, they need to be happy that it’s secure and gives an accurate indication of the abilities of the candidate.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) costs less and takes less time than many other standardised tests, while still holding test-takers to high standards when providing certification.
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Traditionally, a typical week in the life of a university student has contained lectures. Regardless of the year, location and subject of study, lectures have been synonymous with degree qualifications. They can be a great way to communicate important information to students, and many people thrive in a lecture environment. But others struggle to absorb information in this way.
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In any language, it’s rare to speak in a conversation without listening to the other person, or to write a passage of text without reading it. While many standardised English language tests break down questions into reading, writing, listening and speaking, the Duolingo English Test (DET) is structured so that test takers can show how they use these skills in combination.
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For years, universities have relied on a handful of long-standing tests to demonstrate students’ English language proficiency. While widely accepted, these tests can be expensive to sit and often require in-person attendance.
The Duolingo English Test (DET) – now accepted by more than 3,500 programmes globally – is disrupting the status quo by offering one of the world’s first high-stakes English proficiency tests online.
It is currently past 10pm in Dublin, and my anxiety has kept me from writing this piece until now. My anxiety and I have become somewhat friendly enemies over the years, especially since I moved from Austria to study at University College Dublin.
This decision was driven by my ambition and competitiveness. Studying abroad represented my desire to move beyond the expectation that I would stay in Austria my whole life and prove to myself that I could achieve more.
I have always wanted to explore the world, meet new people, travel, learn new languages and cultures. During my bachelor’s degree, I spent the summer as a scholar and thesis student in the US to improve my research skills. There I had a valuable experience interacting with many people of different backgrounds and cultures.
I received my undergraduate degree in molecular biology and genetics from TU Dresden in Germany.