Naara explains how her Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies set her up for a career as an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) Lecturer, and inspired her to complete a master’s in human rights and legal practice. 

Why did you choose Spanish, Portuguese at Latin American Studies at The University of Manchester?

I chose UoM because it is such a multicultural city. Manchester is full of music, history, and culture, which makes it feel welcoming and inspiring. I was also really drawn to the Spanish, Portuguese and Latin American Studies course. The chance to learn about Latin American history and its rich, diverse cultures was something that truly excited me.

What have you been up to since graduating?

My current job involves teaching adults learns English as a second language. My students come from every corner of the world, representing a wide range of ages, cultures, and life experiences.

After graduation, I completed a Master’s in Human Rights and Legal Practice and became actively involved in education charities, including With Insight and the Diana Award, where I mentored students and delivered soft‑skills workshops. I also volunteered teaching English, which was an experience I am especially proud of.

Currently, I am carrying out research on barriers to second‑language acquisition within my workplace, and this project has become one of my most personal and meaningful achievements.

How has your degree been helpful?

My degree prepared me for my current role by giving me strong language, communication, and cultural understanding skills. Working for two years with a Latin American community in a secondary school in southeast London allowed me to use Spanish every day and develop confidence supporting students from diverse backgrounds. This experience now helps me build trust, adapt my teaching, and connect with learners in meaningful ways.

Several moments from my degree were truly influential. I loved the ‘Plural Cultures of Latin America’ module and the Equality, Diversity and Inclusion module, where I first learned about the Human Rights Act and its history. My Portuguese and Spanish language lecturers were incredibly inspiring — relatable, kind, and always encouraging me to push myself.

Something that seemed small at the time, but became life‑changing, was volunteering in a diversity and inclusion role; it made me reflect on how inclusive my curriculum was, and that experience eventually inspired me to pursue a Master’s in Human Rights Law six years later!

What do you plan to do next?

In the next steps of my career, I hope to continue mentoring and expand my research into education and health, areas I feel deeply passionate about. I want to keep growing as a teacher and researcher while making a positive impact on the communities I work with. I also hope to travel more, especially to Latin America — visiting the region has been one of my biggest dreams, and I would love to connect even more deeply with its cultures and histories.

Do you have any advice for current or aspiring students?

Get involved as much as you can — volunteer, join at least one society, and take every opportunity to build your confidence, including public speaking. Travel if you can, visit your lecturers’ office hours, invest in good friendships, and always ask for help when you need it. Most importantly, enjoy the journey, because it goes by very quickly.

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