Chris Guss
Spanish Language and Culture Certificate – Level 1
When UCalgary alumnus Chris Guss moved back to Calgary from Quebec in 2013, he turned to Continuing Education to help him resettle into the community and, at the same time, pursue his avid interest in languages.
A civil engineer working in oil and gas, Chris had already taken an introductory Spanish course in Quebec speculating that someday, it might prove helpful in his career.
"I find continued learning stimulating, and languages are a keen interest for me. I already have French, and now Spanish. I'm already planning my fourth language – Italian – and my fifth will be German."
Chris recently graduated from the Spanish Language and Culture Certificate – Level 1, but quickly moved on to Level 2. He's had the opportunity to use his new speaking skills on various holidays, and has found it helpful.
"I'm close to having the second level of the certificate now, and feel I have a high level of fluency in conversation and writing," he says. "I'm comfortable speaking in personal situations. If I were to use the language in a work environment, I'm sure it would be more challenging and stressful, but I know it would come. If a work opportunity comes along in the future, I'd be prepared to give it a try knowing that I would continue to improve as I used it."
Chris expects to have his second-level requirements completed within two years of taking his first class. "I found that enrolling in the certificate program has definitely motivated me to keep going."
To date, Chris has been able to take all of his classes with the same instructor. "She has been excellent. She is very passionate about teaching. Throughout the program, I've been impressed with her teaching, as well as the administration, and the student advisors. Everything has been very good and I would definitely recommend the program to others."