Learning is so much easier when you’re with a group of people who are as equally interested in learning, collaborating and cheering each other on.”
Maggie, German student
After growing up in the Lower Mainland and studying French Immersion, Maggie Koeberling began learning German to reconnect with her family heritage and prepare for a future trip to Germany. Through UBC Extended Learning’s German courses, she has built her skills, confidence and connections with fellow language learners
What led you to seek out German courses?
My father is from Germany, so as a kid, I picked up a little bit of German here and there from listening to him and my grandparents speak German. We also celebrated many of the German holidays. Because of this, I have always felt a strong tie to my heritage and a yearning to know more about our family. I am looking forward to planning a big trip to Germany to explore where my dad grew up and to find out more about my ancestry. I know that being able to speak German will help me in this adventure.
What was a highlight for you in the German classes?
For me, it was making new connections. Meeting fellow classmates who were also excited to learn made the classes fun. Every week I looked forward to the group conversations, bonding over grammar lessons and forming friendships as we progressed through multiple courses and expanded our knowledge.
Learning is so much easier when you’re with a group of people who are as equally interested in learning, collaborating and cheering each other on.
What surprised you about the classes?
I was surprised at how fun the classes were! Our instructor Dianne always started class with a fun quote or humorous photo which we would translate and discuss before diving into the lessons. Having an instructor who is passionate about learning and who can share her experiences, along with so many tips and tricks, really provides one the confidence to learn something new.
How are you applying the German language skills you learned in your personal or professional life?
To continue practicing my skills, I found a local meet up group that was formed by a native German speaker. The group is open to beginners, and they graciously accepted me into their circle. By joining in on Zoom meet ups, in person lunches and fun gatherings, I’ve had a great space to practice. It was scary at first, but being able to apply what I have learned consistently and to build on it by learning from others has been wonderful.
I have also met people who have been learning German for only a few years. Knowing others who have excelled at learning something new motivates me to keep at it. I know that dedication, support and opportunities to speak in real life situations have sparked my enthusiasm to keep learning. It is possible to learn a new language later in life.
Who would you recommend UBC Extended Learning German classes to?
I would recommend these courses to anyone interested in learning German. The Beginner 1 course is perfect for anyone with no previous exposure. The lessons cover all the basics needed to get started, and the subsequent levels build on what was previously taught. From the basic knowledge that I had, I found the Beginner 1 course quite easy, but at the same time, beneficial both as a refresher and to learn about other important day to day topics that I did not already know.
Additionally, these courses are offered in the evenings, which is ideal for anyone who works during regular business hours.
Is there anything else you’d like to share?
I really appreciate the time and effort given by the instructors, as well as UBC. The learning platform makes it easy to log in and access course information. My journey to learning German is ongoing, and I am looking forward to continuing my studies with the UBC Extended Learning Languages program.