Luke ODea
Cluggan, Oola, Co. Limerick / +353 87 4420504 / Email: lukeodea17@gmail.com
PROFILE
With a keen eye for detail and a strong drive to succeed, my background in languages,
linguistics and communication has equipped me with a range of skills and given me the
opportunity to demonstrate my proficiency of several languages in multiple contexts. A six-
month work placement in Argentina as a culture and language facilitator and camp
counsellor taught me to take on new challenges and embrace different ideas and
perspectives, while also enabling me to hone my communication skills and enhance my
intercultural awareness. Voluntary commitments to Limerick County Civil Defense and my
local youth club have also gone a long way to preparing me for the demands of the working
world and the need for cooperation in various group settings towards shared goals.
EDUCATION & TRAINING
University of Limerick
2013 - 2017
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Languages
German (Advanced) W Spanish Ab Initio W Technical Writing
Subjects included: Linguistics, Language Technology, New Media and Cultural Studies,
Research Methods, Media Discourse, Introduction to Translation and Interpreting
Final Year Project: Conducted research survey exploring "Language Practice in Refugee
Shelters and Support-Organisations in Germany" developed survey, research and writing
skills and made numerous interesting findings on the topic.
Graduating with a 1.1 Honours Degree in August 2017
St. Fintans CBS (Amalgamated Sept 13), Doon, Co. Limerick
2008-2013
Leaving Certificate 6 Honours, including an A1 in German
Other subjects: Irish, English, Mathematics, History, Biology, Business and Economics
CAREER HISTORY
Language Facilitator and Camp Counsellor, Colonias de Inmersin al Idioma: 25/2/2015
20/7/2015
Taught English and German to young children, teenagers and adults ranging from
beginners to advanced learners in bilingual and trilingual schools and language
institutes in Argentina. Reasons for learning English varied among students; many
had travel aspirations and recognised the need for English-language proficiency to
visit an English-speaking country, others had English-speaking friends or colleagues.
Sparked students interest in Irish culture and the cultures of other English-speaking
countries through presentations and workshops. Taught students about Irish music
and dance, choreographed simple dance routines for some students, showed many
students how to play Gaelic football and taught some basic Irish words and phrases
Helped design a number of themes and fun activities that were thoroughly enjoyed by
students at the English immersion camps. Sample themes include Hollywood,
Highland Games, Murder Mystery and Spy Camp. Also coordinated mainly sports
and dance-based activities, campfire songs, arts and crafts and drama.
Engaged in numerous promotional and extracurricular activities on behalf of Colonias
and the schools/language institutes I worked for: took part in a parade with
colleagues, accompanied teachers and students on school tours, and took photos for
their websites
Performance made myself a considerably better ESL teacher through peer-
mentorship, on-the-job training and exposure to many types of classroom settings
Volunteer and Assistant, Limerick Civil Defence: Jan 2012 May 2013
1
Cooperated with fellow volunteers in fire safety drills and basic first aid exercises
involved basic CPR and safety assessment before evacuation or the movement of
objects
Practiced proper evacuation technique with stretchers; lifting stretchers in groups of
six and eight, correct stretcher handling technique, effective communication and
teamwork in stretcher-lifting situations, overcoming physical obstacles while holding a
stretcher etc.
Participated in training for supervision of safety at large events i.e. Cappamore Show
and Limerick Show learned about large crowd management and responding to
emergencies in such environments
IT SKILLS & LANGUAGES
Word-processing prepared thesis using Microsoft Word. High typing speed and
familiarity with the program's many features
Spreadsheets have drafted tables and graphs using Microsoft Excel
Powerpoint Have delivered a lot of presentations using this software
Other packages: Outlook, Google Sites, Weebly, Adobe Dreamweaver and Paint
Have written blogs on numerous topics
C2 proficiency in German and Spanish primarily conversational and writing ability
but also familiar with business language
Currently learning Brazilian Portuguese using apps, online materials and a textbook.
Have A1 or most basic language level
Have undertaken modules in translation and introduction to bilateral interpreting
INTERESTS
Cultural Exchange: have undertaken exchange programs and lived with host
families in Argentina and Germany
Irish Dance: won several medals and trophies in regional competitions and
"feiseanna" for soft-shoe individual and group Irish Dance
Was member of the Dance UL society
Chairperson of my local youth club between Sept 11 and Aug 12. I was also a team
member of other committees in the youth club
Goalkeeper and captain for my local soccer club for several years
OTHER
Won Student of the Year in 3rd year and Senior German Student of the Year in final
year at school
Certified in Manual Handling
Gave grinds in Business English to a company employee in Buenos Aires
Presented at the AICUR undergraduate academic conference
US-Irish dual citizenship
References available on request
