Journalism and Arabic graduate Saad Ajmal shares his experience
UCLan Combined Honours graduate, Saad Ajmal, has reached his goal of working as a Language Teacher for the Royal Air Force of Oman.
Saad had a keen interest in languages and the media, which led him to choose the Combined Honours Degree in Journalism and Arabic. Having travelled to Syria in 2006 to learn Arabic, Saad returned to the UK and was thrilled to find out that UCLan had started offering study options in Arabic.
Following graduation in 2010, Saad worked as a freelance writer for a youth magazine in Manchester and taught Arabic privately. In 2011, Saad moved to Dubai to work as an English Teacher at Ajman University and also wrote content for the website of EMI Music Arabia as a freelancer. After this, Saad travelled to Libya and worked as a language instructor for British Petroleum and then as a course leader in English as a Foreign Language (EFL) at Lincoln College International in Saudi Arabia.
Saad returned to the UK in 2015 and took up employment as an English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) teacher at further education colleges in Yorkshire, as well as completing a Postgraduate Diploma in Education and Training with ESOL. Most recently, Saad completed a Master’s in Education of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).
"The skills and qualifications I gained at UCLan and subsequent credentials without a doubt helped me in gaining the position I am in. My University degree has increased my chances of gaining employment in my chosen field anywhere in the world."
— Saad Ajmal, BA (Hons) Journalism and Arabic graduate
Saad’s current job is an English language Lecturer for the Royal Air Force of Oman, seconded to the Military Technological College (MTC) in Muscat. His role includes teaching English and ESP (Geomatics) to civilian and military students to enable them to graduate from MTC in the field of Geomatics Engineering and Topographical Sciences.
Looking back on his time at UCLan, Saad reflects fondly on a number of aspects: “The support and friendliness I got from my teachers in the languages department, especially my tutor. The friends I made and working in the Arabic language department in my final year and achieving excellent grades in both Arabic and Journalism”.
Saad added: “The skills and qualifications I gained at UCLan and subsequent credentials without a doubt helped me in gaining the position I am in. My University degree has increased my chances of gaining employment in my chosen field anywhere in the world.”
When asked what advice he would give to graduates wanting to study a similar subject, Saad responded: “Studying a language is no easy task and requires passion and determination. University is a great place to be and the best place for those who want to learn and achieve and at the same time enjoy learning and having fun.”
*Please note Arabic is no longer offered as a taught module to find out what languages we offer please visit Applied Languages certificate.
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