A summer language programme in Girona and Andorra gave Durham student Akriti Simha an opportunity to put their Catalan skills into practice alongside learners from across the world, with the experience culminating in a radio interview in Andorra.
After just nine months of studying Catalan at Durham, first-year student Akriti Simha has taken their language learning beyond the classroom, holding a full conversation in Catalan on the radio.
Akriti’s achievement came during a two-week summer language programme in Girona and Andorra, organised by the Institut Ramon Llull, where they joined around 30 students from around the world for an immersive experience of Catalan language and culture.
Akriti began studying Catalan at Durham just nine months before taking part in the summer programme. During their time in Andorra, they were interviewed by Ràdio SER Principat d’Andorra, speaking in Catalan about their experience of learning the language and taking part in the programme.
Holding a full conversation on the radio after only nine months of study is a fantastic demonstration of how quickly language learning can open up opportunities to communicate beyond the classroom.
The interview features in Aquí Andorra, the daily Ràdio SER Principat d’Andorra programme covering current affairs, interviews and other aspects of life in Andorra. The programme was broadcast on 30 July 2026.
Listen to Akriti’s interview from around 13 minutes into the programme HERE
Akriti spent two weeks taking part in the summer programme alongside around 30 students from around the world. The programme took place between Girona and Andorra, allowing participants to develop their Catalan while experiencing the language and culture in an immersive international environment.
The experience built directly on Akriti’s studies at Durham, where they excelled in the first-year course Introduction to Catalan Language and Culture, taught by Elsa Sala Gonzalo, Teacher in Catalan Studies.
Akriti’s experience is a wonderful example of how language learning can extend beyond the university classroom, combining linguistic development with international experience and direct engagement with the language and culture being studied.
Congratulations to Akriti on this fantastic achievement!
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