Barbara Renate Schudel-Simpson
Current Employer/Organisation Name
Retired.
What have you been doing since leaving Exeter, and what are you doing now?
1968: Diploma 1968-69: English Assistant in Austria 1969-71: License-ès-Lettres, Faculty of Letters, Aix en Provence Masters in English Linguistics 1969-71: English teacher in a private school 1971-1982: substitute English teacher in public schools. English for toddlers and young adults. 1982: CAPES 1982-1990: Public school teacher of English (middle school, high school, post baccalaureate, business classes), 1990: Aggregation 1990-2008: Public school teacher of English (high school, post-baccalaureate business classes, preparatory classes), 2008: Retirement. 2015-2018: Country contact for graduates of the University of Exeter in France.
Why did you choose this career? And what do you enjoy most about your work?
As a child, with a father in the Forces, I attended a great number and variety of schools, abroad and in the UK. I had always wanted to become a teacher ! I wanted to help young people communicate – in English – and learn about other countries and cultures. I particularly enjoyed doing this via modern media.
What did you enjoy most about studying here?
The Campus ! I was lucky enough to be in a Hall of Residence for the length of my degree course.
Why did you choose to study at Exeter?
Good French and German Departments. The setting : Exeter and its environment. A 50% men to women ratio . A good social life
What skills and experiences have been most useful for your career?
Patience and Perseverance ! Adapting. Teaching skills and experience.
What advice would you give to a current student who wishes to pursue your career?
I was ‘trained’ to teach French and German in the UK : I taught English in France ! ‘Decide what is most important and be prepared to make the effort’. Teaching is being in contact with young people : that should be considered as a perk, not a problem.
What are your plans for the future?
I have travelled a great deal and I intend to continue to do so. Still married and now a grandmother. Busy by choice!
