Monique Surges “Learning languages has made my career”

Monique Surges and Dr. Anna Bauer photo: Doris Evans

Around 40 people, mainly students, joined our event at the Auckland University on Tuesday, May 24. Monique Surges, Chief Executive Officer of the New Zealand German Business Association Incorporated (NZGBA) gave us an insight into her successful business life and the advantages she enjoyed because of speaking more than one language. Monique, who is a Kiwi-German “hybrid”, brings over 25 years of experience dealing with Germans and New Zealanders. She also speaks Spanish.

Audience at Auckland University photo: Doris Evans

One is never too old to learn another language. The University of Auckland offers a number of courses – from simple language learning classes to programmes including literature, culture and linguistics. Speaking the native language in a foreign country enrichens your experience as a traveller. If you are looking for a job, being bi- or multi-lingual can be a door-opener. 

Doris Evans