Pupil Fiona Rymon is already studying languages at the University of Kassel before her A-levels

Learning twice: Fiona Rymon is taking her Abitur at Herderschule this year and is already attending lectures and seminars as an early student in Romance Studies at the University of Kassel.

The 19-year-old is completing an early degree in Romance studies. Her passion for French led her to the university while she was still at school.

Kassel - For many, learning vocabulary is a burden. For Fiona Rymon, it's a hobby, even more. It is her passion. She has loved foreign languages ever since she first came into contact with them. English, French and Spanish at school were soon not enough for her. "I wanted to learn more." That's why the pupil is now studying.

"I'm passionate about my subject," says the 19-year-old from Kaufung. While she is currently preparing for her Abitur at Herderschule, she has been attending lectures and seminars in French and Spanish at the Institute of Romance Studies at the University of Kassel since October. The International Language and Cultural Mediation course was made for her, says Fiona Rymon. Her heart beats especially for the French language and culture.

Early students

According to the press office, there were nine early students at the University of Kassel in the winter semester. The basis for this is the Hessian Higher Education Act, which allows particularly gifted pupils to take part in courses and examinations. The study periods and examination results are recognized upon application. "From our point of view, the early study program is an opportunity to offer talented young people the chance to develop and gain professional orientation and to interest them in studying at university," says university press spokesperson Sebastian Mense.

During a road trip through Normandy, she learned to appreciate the savoir-vivre of the French. And during a student exchange in Dijon in 2023, she was able to feel like a real Frenchwoman. "I thought that was great!"

She also enjoys reading French literature and watching films in her free time, she says. "I've learned a lot myself." That's why she was often bored in school lessons. The language café at the university gave her the perfect opportunity to speak freely. Native speaker Céline Wieders-Lohéac led the group and made her aware of the opportunity to start studying while still at school. Such early studies are open to particularly gifted pupils. The prerequisite is a recommendation from the school.

Third year of study planned in France

Fiona Rymon is aiming for a binational degree that is recognized in Germany and France. This is supported by the Franco-German University (DFH). To do this, Fiona has to spend her third year of study at a partner university in Angers in the west of France.

The student wants to pass on her fascination for language and culture to others. She therefore has a clear goal in mind: she wants to teach languages and, above all, encourage reluctant students to speak more and make contact with people from other countries. "Language is crucial for empathy and understanding other cultures," she says. Her university degree in international language and cultural mediation will not yet qualify her for the teaching profession. She is therefore planning to do a Master's degree - "probably abroad".

Fiona is also learning Greek and wants to pick up Italian and Portuguese. If there is still time, she dances ballet, bakes and works as a lifeguard. She uses her vacations to travel to other countries and works there as a supervisor for children and young people whenever possible.

Fiona is by no means the youngest early student in Kassel. She has met others at university, some of whom are a few years younger and are studying as pupils. If you want to do this, you should have fun and find it easy to learn, just like Fiona. But you don't have to be an overachiever in all disciplines. Science and mathematics, for example, are less Fiona's cup of tea, she says. Absolute enthusiasm for a subject and above-average performance make it possible to start studying early.