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Faculty of Humanities

How language learning shaped this grad's university experience

June 08, 2026

A group holds handmade signs in French and German.
Orla Scott (third from right) and friends participate in the "Run for Europe" community run, which crosses the Germany-France border and demonstrates support for European integration, during an academic exchange in Freiburg.

Orla Scott, a history major with a minor in Germanic studies who will convocate in this week's ceremony, took advantage of two study abroad programs during her studies, travelling for a two-month language intensive in Kassel, Germany, and participating in a year-long exchange in Freiburg, also in Germany. Through these programs, she brought her language and cultural studies into hands-on, immersive experiences. Orla also brought her passion for languages into volunteer roles as a research assistant with the French and Francophone Studies program and as a student ambassador for the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)—while still finding time to complete a student work term as a tour guide at the Residence of the Governor General in Quebec City, and work part-time as a server in a local restaurant.

In the words of her professors, the co-recipient of the Jubilee Medal for Humanities "researches deeply, thinks hard, and writes beautifully. She is endlessly curious and engages critically with everything she reads."

What moment or memory stands out most from your time at UVic?

I studied a lot in the Rippen Room (the History department’s undergraduate lounge) so spending time out with other history students there is a highlight memory from my time at UVic!

I also really enjoyed my intramural dance experiences and participating in the UVic chorus in my first year.

Where did you spend most of your time studying, hanging out or unwinding on campus?

My very favourite study spot is the Diane M. Priestly Library, especially the second floor, where it kind of feels like you are studying in a forest!

I have also spent a lot of time running along the alumni chip trails and in the beautiful Mystic Vale area, and I love Finnerty Gardens and the Multifaith Centre.

Which course or instructor had a positive impact on your academic or personal growth?

I have had so many fantastic instructors over my degree, but Dr. Sara Beam and Dr. Kristin Semmens stand out in my mind for the exceptional care and thoughtfulness they put into their teaching. Dr. Beam’s classes were some of the most interesting lectures I have taken, and she created a very encouraging environment in her seminar class that really helped me gain confidence speaking in a classroom setting. Dr. Semmens’ classes were also some of the most thorough and engaging lectures I have attended, and I always appreciated her very helpful feedback on assignments. I’m very grateful to both of them, and to the many other wonderful instructors who have contributed so positively to my UVic experience.  

What activity or experience outside the classroom meant the most to you?

In my third year I went on exchange to Freiburg, Germany, which was a highlight of my university experience. I also participated in a two-month study-abroad program in Kassel, Germany. Both experiences helped me strengthen my German skills, build amazing friendships, and explore several new countries with new friends. I am very grateful to Germanic Studies for their support of my exchange. Dr. Pollard, Dr. Schuetze, and Dr. Golz were especially helpful in the exchange process.

What are your plans for after graduation?

I’ll be doing an internship with the BC legislature. I’m then planning to return to UVic for the Post-Degree Professional Program for Social Studies high school education. 

What would you tell someone who is considering choosing UVic for their degree?

UVic is a wonderful place to go to school! The campus is beautiful—which really matters, because it’s where you spend a lot of your day. It’s also a great size for a university community, big enough to explore a lot of new opportunities but small enough that you quickly start to recognize familiar faces on campus.