U6th Pupil Barley on the importance of languages and the value of engaging with new cultures

Language: Stepping Out of Your Comfort Zone 

By Ming Qi (Barley), Upper Sixth 

My name is Barley, and I am in Upper Sixth, studying A-Level Politics, Economics, Mathematics, and Chinese. I am originally from China, and I currently live in Dubai while studying here in the UK.  

Stepping into a new language is like stepping into a new world. It can feel exciting, unfamiliar, and sometimes frightening — but it is one of the most rewarding journeys a person can take. As someone who grew up speaking Mandarin and later moved abroad for education, I know this feeling well. And I want to tell anyone who dreams of studying abroad or learning a new language: don’t be afraid. Don’t be scared to speak. Making mistakes is part of the process — and part of the fun (oops, I had a long period where I pronounced “will,” “well,” “whale,” and “while” exactly the same!). 

Many international students, including me, feel happy when someone tries to speak our language, even if it’s just one new word. It shows respect, courage, and curiosity. This is why I’m delighted to share that Mr. Sanz, our Spanish teacher, will be opening a Mandarin Club starting next Easter Term. Everyone is welcome — no experience needed. Our International Club is also open every term for those who want to explore global cultures in a supportive community. 

To inspire more students to take the first step, I interviewed Mr. Sanz Lopez, our Spanish teacher, about his own journey — one that began with a leap of faith and led him all the way to Taiwan. 

“A Leap Into the Unknown”: Mr. Sanz’s Story 

Discovering a New World 

When asked what inspired him to study in Taiwan, Mr. Sanz smiled. 
It all began with a friend — half Spanish, half Taiwanese — who introduced him to Chinese culture. “He sparked my curiosity,” he said. “After hearing his stories, I decided I needed to see it myself.” 

He won a scholarship and flew across the world. His course started with English and Chinese textbooks, but within months, everything switched entirely into Chinese. 

“There was no time to relax. I had to understand quickly. Every day felt like a challenge — but an exciting one.” 

Culture Shock and Joy 

The first moment he stepped into Taiwan, he felt like he had landed on “a different planet”: night markets, bright lights, new smells, a new language. It was overwhelming, exciting, and scary — all at the same time. 

It took half a year to properly adapt. But he kept going. With support from international friends and his partner, Taiwan eventually became a second home. 

“The excitement never stopped,” he said. “From day 1 to day 365, every day was an adventure.” 

Theory vs. Reality 

Before leaving Spain, he researched Taiwan in depth for his scholarship interview. But even with all that knowledge, nothing could fully prepare him. 

“You learn facts at home,” he said. “But living abroad is something completely different. It is truly a leap into the unknown — and the best decision I ever made.” 

He never regretted it. Not even once. 

Why Language Is a Superpower 

For Mr. Sanz, speaking four languages has shaped the way he sees the world. 

“Language is a superpower,” he told me. “When you speak a language, you don’t just visit a place — you connect with it.” 

He describes feeling like he has “four different personalities” depending on the language he speaks. With each language comes a different way of thinking, a different sense of humour, and a deeper understanding of culture. 

Even when he visited Japan — a language he doesn’t speak — recognising Chinese characters made him feel less lost. “It made everything smoother and less scary,” he said. 

Language builds resilience. It helps you survive cultural shocks. It creates friendships and opens doors you didn’t even know existed. 

Advice for Students Dreaming of Studying Abroad 

1. Learn the language — but make it fun. 

Don’t just memorise vocabulary. 
Watch TV shows, listen to music, join clubs, talk to people from that country. 

2. Learn the culture, not just the grammar. 

Language and culture are inseparable. 
If you understand both, your adaptation will be much easier. 

3. Use social media to connect. 

Follow influencers, creators, and students from the country you want to study in. 
Real conversations are not about grammar — they’re about culture, jokes, trends, and daily life. 

4. Travel with an open mind. 

Be ready to learn new customs, ideas, and ways of living. 

5. Don’t give up — “No tires la toalla.” 

The Spanish phrase means “Don’t throw in the towel.” 
Learning languages is hard at first, but it becomes easier, more enjoyable, and unbelievably rewarding over time. 

My Own Reflection: What Language Has Given Me 

I am studying here today because I learned English. 
That one decision changed my entire pathway. 

While many people my age stayed in China to take the Gaokao (China's national college entrance exam), I stepped out of my comfort zone into a completely new world. Learning English gave me the chance to study internationally, build a global perspective, and experience a different education system. 

Like Mr. Sanz, I have never — and will never — regret stepping out into the unknown. 

Final Message: Step Out. Speak Up. Start Now. 

Language opens doors — to countries, to friendships, to opportunities, and to parts of yourself you haven’t discovered yet. 

Whether you want to study abroad, learn a new language, or simply try saying “你好”(Ni Hao) or “Hola” to someone, take the first step. Make mistakes. Laugh at them. Learn from them. Keep going. 

And if you want to start learning Mandarin, the new Mandarin Club will be waiting for you next Easter Term. Everyone is welcome. 

Step out of your comfort zone. 

#ksbmfl