LLH... My language learning history

Since I was a child I have had a passion for foreign languages and, consequently, at the age of 8 I entered English language course on “beginner” level. However, it was rather difficult to learn to speak a foreign language free and fluently when one does not live in the country where this language is spoken, and I often had difficulties while speaking aloud in front of an audience in English. I continued studying the language both in primary school and in a language academy as well.After having taken written exams in Bulgarian and Mathematics needed for application to elite secondary schools with outstanding marks, I was accepted to study at high rated secondary school in Bulgaria with an intensive French language and English language as a second foreign language which was listed as my first choice. At high school teacher’s approach towards foreign languages was academic and it was hard to study academic terms in a foreign language. Since I was already familiar with the basics of English, I have never had any difficulties during my English studies at school. The basic knowledge I had gained beforehand helped me memorise words and phrases easily and understand unknown set phrases from the context without using a dictionary. However, my problems with oral presentation remained as we never had enough time for each and every student to lead a conversation or at least participate in a discussion. Although I could understand written English, I was still unable to speak without constantly thinking of the right words.For all those reasons, I attended an English language course and I passed the TOEFL exam which was a major step for me as a second foreign language. Never was my intention to continue my further education in English, but after having a proof of proficiency in French I decided to improve my level of academic English. In this case, I considered that studying in English would be the best way to develop my academic writing and oral skills. The latter, in my view, is still to be worked on as I am tense at times while giving a presentation. I continued working on my English in London, where I attended English courses and gained a degree in economics. 

My expectations of the English language course at the University of Groningen are related to my weaknesses: oral presentations, writing on an academic level using the appropriate vocabulary and diversity of linking words. Although I consider myself as I have a flair for languages, it would not be enough to be academically correct when writing reports and essays. In my opinion, I must gain much confidence, which comes naturally when academic writing and oral skills have been improved on the level needed at universities. 

Hazel - mission statement

Hazel mission statement
“Our goal is to provide today’s young women with exclusive, state-of-the-art make-up products while preserving their skin as well as the environment.”

English...

"I am" is reportedly the shortest sentence in the English language. Could it be that "I do" is the longest sentence?
George Carlin