Javier Moreno
Javier Munoz Moreno, ESOL SCQF level 5
Javier Munoz Moreno (34) from Spain has studied with UHI Inverness for two years, completing levels three to five of English for Speakers of Other Languages, and will be studying Business and Accounting in the new academic year.
Studying in the Highlands has opened up Javier’s mind and allowed him the chance to live the life he had dreamed of.
Javier said: “Scotland has impacted on me in many ways. I feel more motivated than ever to keep improving myself and get the best job possible. I don’t know what the future holds, but I am quite sure that speaking English will help me, whatever it brings. Scotland has taught me another language, and I will be grateful for that all my life. The opportunities that Scotland offers, it is amazing to me. My feeling is I have endless options to study and to keep improving my life. The best thing about being here is the people. They always have a smile when I get into trouble because of my English. People help each other here and I can feel it. I think helping each other is the best way of living.”
Javier could not speak English when he arrived in Strathpeffer in 2018 to work, and he decided to move to Inverness to learn the language.
Javier said: “Despite the fact that I did my course under the pandemic, which meant I couldn’t attend the class at the campus as normal, I would say that my experience was really good. I enjoyed the feeling of being well supported when I needed it. I felt the staff were there to help all the time. I would love to make special mention of my lecturer Caroline Dungeon, Sharon McNaught from The Bothy and Leigh Payne who is an excellent Personal Development Advisor.
“Studying English is an excellent opportunity to meet people from another countries. I enjoyed speaking with them a lot and understanding their point of view of life. As a class rep, I had the chance to speak closely with some of them and it was amazing how we supported each other through the difficult time that we lived during the pandemic,” he said.
Although the course was difficult and the Covid restrictions were frustrating, Javier believed he is learning English the right way.
Javier said: “Caroline my lecturer really makes a difference. She is a tireless professional, and an excellent human being. If I have passed my exams, it's thanks to her, I am absolutely sure about it.”
Javier particularly liked meeting up with his friends in the canteen and enjoying the silence of studying at the library while looking out at the ‘beautiful landscape that Scotland offers you’. He urges anyone thinking of opting for his course to have a clear target or a powerful reason to study, and to take advantage of the support services at The Bothy, including the excellent reading aloud group.