Skip to main content

View related sites

  • Recognition
  • Agents
  • Consultancy
  • Research
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
  • LinkedIn
  • Instagram
Change Language

Cambridge Assessment English

Main navigation

  • Home
  • Why choose us?

    Why choose us?

    • Learners

    • Who accepts our exams?
    • Visas and immigration
    • Study abroad
    • Cambridge English journeys
    • Organisations

    • Start accepting our exams
    • Working with us
    • Producing exams
  • Exams and tests

    Exams and tests

    • Cambridge English Qualifications Cambridge English Qualifications
    • Schools
    • General and higher education
    • Business
    • Pre A1 Starters (YLE Starters)
    • A1 Movers (YLE Movers)
    • A2 Flyers (YLE Flyers)
    • A2 Key for Schools (KET)
    • B1 Preliminary for Schools (PET)
    • B2 First for Schools (FCE)
    • A2 Key (KET)
    • B1 Preliminary (PET)
    • B2 First (FCE)
    • C1 Advanced (CAE)
    • C2 Proficiency (CPE)
    • B1 Business Preliminary (BEC Preliminary)
    • B2 Business Vantage (BEC Vantage)
    • C1 Business Higher (BEC Higher)
    • Linguaskill Linguaskill
    • IELTS IELTS
    • OET OET
    • Useful links

    • Test your English
    • Cambridge English Placement Test
    • How to register
    • Find an exam centre
    • What to expect on exam day
    • Study English in the UK
    • See exam results online
    • Cambridge English Scale
    • International language standards explained
    • Information for preparation centres
  • Learning English

    Learning English

    • Free activities
    • Exam preparation
    • Test your English
    • Parents and children
    • Games and social media
    • More resources
  • Teaching English

    Teaching English

    • Qualifications for individuals
    • CELTA
    • DELTA
    • TKT (Teaching Knowledge Test)
    • Qualifications for schools and ministries
    • CELT-P
    • CELT-S
    • Language for Teaching
    • Certificate in EMI Skills
    • Train the Trainer
    • Professional development
    • Cambridge English Teaching Framework
    • Cambridge English Trainer Framework
    • Become a Cambridge English Assessment Specialist
    • Your new English classroom
    • Resources for teachers
    • Webinars for teachers
    • Information for preparation centres
  • Blog
  • News
  • Events
  • Help

    Help

    • Lost certificates
    • Enquiries and appeals
    • Special requirements
    • Special considerations
    • Malpractice
    • Complaints
    • Corporate social responsibility
  • Test your English
  • Find an exam centre
  • Who accepts our exams?
Read more stories
Valentin from France

Valentin from France

‘Now I’m applying for jobs at law firms in the USA and people are really interested in my profile and how I’ve studied in the UK, France and now the USA.’

Valentin has studied law at the Sorbonne in Paris and King’s College London and is now completing his legal studies at Cornell University in New York, USA.


Growing up, I always liked the idea of arguing as a lawyer in front of a judge or representing a client in a negotiation. But because I also loved learning about other cultures and languages, it was always in the back of my mind to do so abroad, or at least with an international element. Moreover, most high-stakes cases span multiple countries, so I wanted to have a background that reflected that pattern.

Having a deeper understanding of a language is paramount to a successful career.

Born and raised in Paris, I had the opportunity to travel and visit other countries thanks to my family and my school. However, as much as I loved those experiences, I felt my understanding of English and Anglo-Saxon culture was too academic and lacked ease.

Things really changed when I met a teacher from Canada – Pam – who really helped me cross this bridge and picture myself living, working and succeeding in English, just as a native speaker would.

Certainly, attaining fluency gave me an unprecedented insight into the culture and the language, which has helped me secure places on courses in Paris, London and now New York.

Valentin in New York

I started a programme in English law and French law between the Sorbonne and King’s College London, so I spent two years in England followed by two years in France.

After my dual degree, I didn’t feel ready to take the bar or choose between solicitor and barrister – which is how the legal profession is divided in Great Britain – so I looked for opportunities to deepen my dual culture and keep working in English. Thanks to the Sorbonne, I got to join Cornell Law School and continue studying law whilst building a career in the United States.

Now I’m applying for jobs at law firms in the USA and employers are really interested in my profile and how I’ve schooled in the UK, France and now the USA. Having a deeper understanding of a language is paramount to a successful career, especially for law where the answer often lies in the subtlety of the words used to convince.

Valentin learns English

When I moved to the UK and then the USA, I did worry a bit as I was in another country I had not lived in before. I sometimes doubted myself and my capacity to fit in but everyone I've met has been really supportive. I am confident about my journey ahead as I can easily understand, engage and connect with others.



About Valentin Van de Walle

Valentin has taken C1 Advanced, one of our Cambridge English Qualifications. He thinks that preparing for Cambridge English Qualifications really helped him as he feels that he can go and live and work anywhere in the world.

 

Kasia from Poland
Kasia from Poland

'I always wanted to be a radio presenter and now I’ve got my own show in the UK.'

Monica from Japan
Monica from Japan

'The human body is so complicated, yet very organised, so I thought it would be really interesting to study medicine.'

BingJie from ChinaBingJie from China

'I’m thinking of starting my own channel to teach English songs on social media, as well as doing more studies.'

Dmitry from RussiaDmitry from Russia

'I love learning so I decided to do an exam for English teachers as well as higher level language exams.'

Angeliki from GreeceAngeliki from Greece

'I decided to start my own language school and that’s where things really took off.'

Better Learning Stories from Cambridge University Press

Everyone has their own reasons for teaching or learning English. You can see more real-life stories at our sister organisation, Cambridge University Press.

Better Learning Stories

On this site

  • Home
  • Why Cambridge English?
  • Exams and tests
  • Learning English
  • Teaching English
  • News
  • Events
  • Help
  • About us
  • Who accepts our exams?
  • Agents
  • Consultancy
  • Research
  • Contact us
  • ALTE logo
  • English Profile logo
  • Cambridge University Press
  • Cambridge Assessment logo
  • BSI Logo

View Related Sites

  • Cambridge English main site
  • Cambridge English helpdesk
  • Cambridge English Penfriends
  • Cambridge English Schools
  • Cambridge English Online
  • Cambridge English for Centres
  • Preparation Centres Online
  • Results Verification Service
  • Occupational English Test
  • Cambridge University Press
  • ALTE
  • English Profile
  • Cambridge Assessment
  • Cambridge Assessment Admissions Testing
  • Michigan Language Assessment
  • Cambridge Assessment Japan Foundation


Copyright ©  UCLES

  • Terms & conditions
  • Data protection
  • Accessibility statement
  • Statement on modern slavery
  • Safeguarding policy
  • Sitemap
Back to top
We use cookies. By continuing to use this website you are giving your consent for us to set cookies Dismiss