Category A: Language Skills

It is said that English is the global language. But even then, in most countries, around the world, English is not people's first language. I am no exception. I can communicate in Bengali, Hindi, not so fluently in Marathi and I have basic French skills. Out of all these languages, I'd say I'm best communicating in Hindi since I can do so orally and in writing. How does knowing multiple languages make me globally competent? First off, I can understand the problems people face when communicating in English when English is not their first language. As an international student who speaks multiple languages, I was able to connect with other international students and domestic students. I observed that speaking more than one language helps in relating better with people of other nationalities. A perfect example of this is semester of Fall 2015 which found me out on exchange from TRU in Lyon, France. I knew little to no French. But my multi-lingual background helped me overcome the language barrier and get along better with the French people.

But there will be more on that in the next section, where I will talk further about my study abroad experience and how it took me a step further to becoming globally competent.