NEC student Edda’s story gives insight into the importance of lifelong learning and not letting criticism get you down.

Having been told in Year 8 by a French teacher that she was “hopeless at languages”, Edda was not entered by her school for the French O level or CSE (equivalent to foundation GCSE) and believed that she was not good at languages. She did however have an intrinsic love for communication with people and a good ear for sounds. 

Later on in her life, Edda began to travel and work in African francophone countries, having at this time already gained a university degree. She decided to give French another chance, taking a beginners course at  the Open University – a course which she describes as having turned her life around. With a new-found confidence in her French abilities, Edda began to enjoy learning the language as well as learning more about French history. 

A level French allows career progression

Edda decided to take her A level French qualification with NEC and found that the course massively benefited her and her career. Studying whilst working full time in international development, Edda was able to use her new language skills to apply for a job in Senegal: 

“I would not have applied without the confidence I have gained by doing this A level course and the encouragement I received from my tutor who was fantastic.”

Studying leads to a lifelong passion for French

Edda looks forward to using her A level French as she takes on a new job in Senegal, working with the Senegalese government. Not only did her A level unlock new career opportunities, but it has sparked a lifelong interest in French that Edda intends to continue to develop, planning to undertake a French degree when she retires in a few years. 

As an organisation committed to lifelong learning, we love stories like Edda’s that prove that you can learn at any age, gaining skills that will help you in both your career and personal development. 

One of Edda’s favourite things about working with NEC was the fact that exams were organised internally at NEC’s exam centre:

I was very relieved that NEC was there to handle all the logistics and admin.

Her advice to anyone else thinking about taking an NEC course?

Go and do it without hesitation! You never know what life is going to throw at you.

Inspired by Edda’s story?

Click here to explore our A level courses (https://www.nec.ac.uk/course-categories/a-levels/) and enrol now while all A level courses are on offer! Click here for a closer look at our A level French course.