Speaking their language

Sam Stapley (OC 2010)

A push from his father to learn another language prompted Sam Stapley (OC 2010) to study Japanese, a decision which has had a profound impact on all areas of his life. Sam says his teacher, Virginia Simcock, was passionate and encouraging to everyone learning the language, with a class trip to Japan and a three-month exchange to Japan, among the most memorable parts of his studies.

After leaving St Andrew’s, Sam studied Japanese alongside a Bachelor of Commerce in Accounting at the University of Canterbury, before taking up a scholarship to study at Waseda University in Tokyo. “After completing my studies in 2015, I founded a hotel and short-term accommodation management company in Tokyo, growing a portfolio of 1000 rooms under management nationwide across Japan. I used Japanese on a daily basis as I had predominantly Japanese staff.”

After selling the company at the end of 2019, Sam moved back to New Zealand with his Japanese wife, Niina, and co-founded Mayfair Luxury Hotels, in Christchurch. The Stapley’s son, Louis, attends the St Andrew’s Pre-school, and the family use Japanese every day at home. “If I had not studied Japanese, I would not have had these opportunities or gone down my current career path. I would strongly encourage students to try a second language, as it can open up more doors.”

Hana Pearce (OC 2019)

Hana Pearce has a lifelong love of the Spanish language, which she started learning at the age of just three. “I’ve always been fascinated by languages, and Spanish especially,” she says.

During her studies at St Andrew’s, Hana enjoyed learning from Spanish teacher, Alexis Evlampieff, who prepared her well for future study at the University of Canterbury. “Thanks to the support of Mr Evlampieff and what I learnt at St Andrew’s, I entered straight into second year Spanish at University, and was able to continue building my Spanish knowledge.”

While at university, Hana taught Spanish as a second language at the Selwyn House School Pre-school, which she says was a total joy. “I love sharing the possibilities that a new language can provide and a passion for learning new languages and experiencing new perspectives on the world.” After graduating with a Bachelor of Arts majoring in Spanish and Linguistics, Hana received a scholarship to study in Spain at the University of La Rioja, which has programmes for foreign students to learn Spanish language and culture. “I’m really enjoying living and studying here, as it has been a dream of mine for a long time. When I get back to New Zealand in June, I plan to begin a Masters course in Applied Translation and Interpreting for Spanish or in Linguistics.”

These former Languages students are forging exciting study and career paths in the field.

Mitchell Radcliffe (OC 2018)

Mitchell Radcliffe says gaining an appreciation for another culture and being able to communicate with people from around the world was his reason for learning French at St Andrew’s. “Learning a language is also a way to distinguish yourself from others.”

The language was already familiar to Mitchell, as his mother, Bronwyn, is a French teacher at the College. “I had the pleasure of having my Mum teach me for three years, which was really fun.”

Living with a French speaking family during an exchange to Switzerland, where he did lots of skiing in the Swiss Alps, was a highlight of Mitchell’s studies. After leaving the College, he studied Mechanical Engineering at the University of Canterbury, and currently works for Beca in their Auckland office.

He says learning French may open up opportunities to work for companies and clients in French speaking regions such as those in the Pacific, and he is already using French in his current role. “Beca has an office in New Caledonia and does a lot of work in this region. Having an understanding of the language helps me to communicate with French speaking engineers and clients. Some documentation I have to read is in French, so having some kind of French speaking background helps my ability to understand.”