doing a college language course, what should i prepare for?

Languages offer many benefits for college students. Language studies improve cognitive function, increase career prospects, and often lead to scholarship opportunities. Plus, language studies prepare students to study abroad or apply to graduate school.

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How do I choose the best language to study in college?

Consider the benefits and difficulty of various languages when choosing language classes in college. More than half of college students choose Spanish as their foreign language. The most common language in the U.S. after English, Spanish also offers some of the easiest study methods.

Do colleges care what language you study in college?

In general, colleges want to see foreign language proficiency, and they don't really care which language you study. Most students, in fact, have few choices. Many schools offer just a couple of languages such as French and Spanish. That said, it can be a plus if your study of a foreign language aligns with your career goals.

What should I do to prepare for college?

Before each year of college, you’ll need to apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the FAFSA. Complete and submit scholarship applications prior to deadlines . Meet with a counselor to verify that they’ll meet graduation requirements on schedule. . Finish submitting scholarship applications. Visit colleges on their “short list.”

How much language do you need to get into college?

How Much Language Do You Need? Most selective colleges and universities want to see at least two years of high school foreign language study. Highly selective schools such as the Ivies often want to see three or four years of a language.

How do you prepare for a language class?

Tips for Foreign Language StudyPay very close attention during the first few weeks of an introductory language course, even if you have some previous exposure to the language. ... Keep up with your assignments. ... Participate as fully as possible in all class activities. ... Review every single day. ... Go to language tables.More items...

What should I study when learning a new language?

What's the First Thing You Should Learn in a New Language?Number 1: The Alphabet. Luckily, in many languages, the alphabet will be the same or be very similar to the one you already know. ... Number 2: Pronunciation. ... Number 3: Basic Sentences. ... Number 4: Key Verbs. ... Number 5: Frequently-Used Vocabulary.

Are language courses in college worth it?

Learning a language in college can greatly improve your career opportunities. Options for language learning include majoring, minoring, electives, or studying abroad. Popular industries for language majors include foreign relations, tourism, and marketing.

What do you expect from a language course?

Foreign language courses – what to expect from your classesLanguage learning activities. ... Correcting mistakes. ... Homework. ... The pace of the class. ... The balance of activities. ... The use of English in the classroom. ... Coursebooks and other materials. ... Learning and teaching styles : Feeling Comfortable Versus Feeling Challenged.

What is the hardest language to learn?

Mandarin Chinese1. Mandarin Chinese. Interestingly, the hardest language to learn is also the most widely spoken native language in the world. Mandarin Chinese is challenging for a number of reasons.

Should I learn vocabulary or grammar first?

Eventually You Will Need To Know The Grammar But if you are first starting out and you have limited time, get caught up in vocabulary. It is the fastest way to progress. The more words you can absorb the more complex the ideas you can convey.

Why are college language classes so hard?

But, why is it so hard to learn a foreign language, anyway? Put simply, it's hard because it challenges both your mind (your brain has to construct new cognitive frameworks) and time (it requires sustained, consistent practice).

Is taking a foreign language in college hard?

Foreign Language classes are kind of difficult, but they are a must-have if you plan on graduating with any Bachelor of Arts degree.

Which language is the easiest to learn?

Top 9 Easiest Languages to Learn NORWEGIAN. Grammar, syntax and word order are all similar to English thanks to shared North Germanic roots. ... SWEDISH. ... DANISH. ... SPANISH. ... PORTUGUESE. ... ITALIAN. ... FRENCH. ... ROMANIAN.More items...•

What do you learn in English class in college?

English 101 classes help develop students' communication and academic writing skills. Passing English 101 means knowing how to write concisely and with correct grammar. You should also know how to set up an effective thesis statement and find reliable sources.

What do you hope to gain from English class?

Goals for Every English Studentto become a more sophisticated reader.to become a better, more flexible writer.to become a better listener and more effective speaker.to become a more creative and critical thinker.to develop moral imagination, ethical values, and a sense of vocation.

How do you a learn a language?

How to learn a new language: 7 secrets from TED TranslatorsGet real. ... Make language-learning a lifestyle change. ... Play house with the language. ... Let technology help you out. ... Think about language-learning as a gateway to new experiences. ... Make new friends. ... Do not worry about making mistakes.

What does it feel like to have studied the target language?

If you’ve studied the target language in the past, you will sometimes feel as though you somehow knew more when you first arrived, like you’ve regressed.

How many hours of class time do intensive classes take?

Intensive courses involve 15-20 hours of class time per week, supplemented by lots of independent study, with extracurricular program events thrown in (see my point about activities outside the classroom).

How many weeks of material is in a day of intensive classes?

That’s because each day of class for most intensive programs is equal to one week of material in the regular school year. One implication of this is that keeping up can be very difficult.

What languages did the Uyghur program focus on?

The program, which focused on Central Asian languages like Kazakh, Uzbek, and Uyghur, was an 8-week session at a Midwestern university with a terrific reputation for Slavic and Central-Asian languages.

What happens if you take a class as part of an isolated program?

If you’re taking a class as part of an isolated program, there will most likely be coordinators who will organize events for professors and students.

What are the best languages to learn in college?

Top Languages to Learn in College. College language learners choose from many options. The top languages include Spanish, French, Mandarin, and German. The U.S. Department of State ranks French and Spanish among the languages most similar to English. Mandarin ranks among the most difficult languages to learn.

Why is language important in college?

Languages offer many benefits for college students. Language studies improve cognitive function, increase career prospects, and often lead to scholarship opportunities. Plus, language studies prepare students to study abroad or apply to graduate school. This guide reviews the best languages to learn in college and offers tips for mastering ...

Why is it important to practice speaking with native speakers?

Practice With Native Speakers. Speaking a language with native speakers helps learners master their new skills. Native speaker s introduce learners to idioms and phrases that may not appear in language classes in college. When it comes to spoken language, there’s nothing better than conversing with a native speaker.

What are some at home language programs?

At-home language programs offer an accessible way to practice a new language. One of the most common, Rosetta Stone, offers 25 languages. Learners can also explore monolingual language programs or programs that focus on a single language. Some experts point to Netflix as an at-home language program, since it offers content in more than 20 languages.

How many languages do Americans speak?

Travel to Where the Language Is Spoken. While Americans speak 350 languages, there’s nothing like traveling to a foreign country and immersing yourself in a language. Try to travel to a country where you can practice your language skills.

Why is studying abroad important?

Studying abroad immerses students in culture and language. Many study-abroad programs incorporate language classes and experiences to take language skill to the next level. Simply living abroad strengthens language abilities. Check for study-abroad programs at your college, including through the foreign languages department.

Do colleges require language classes?

Many colleges also require them. In language classes in college, students practice their reading, writing, and speaking skills. Many colleges offer a variety of languages, including the best languages to learn in college and less common options.

How to prepare for college application?

In order to be prepared for college applications, create a document that records your involvement in sports, clubs, volunteer work, community service, and part-time employment, etc. and keep it in one place.

How to prepare for college entrance exams?

The best way to prepare for college entrance exams like the SAT or ACT is to take challenging coursework while in high school and to learn the material well. For example, the best way to prepare for the math section in the ACT or SAT is to study math!

How to organize college meetings?

As soon as you start meeting with college reps and visiting colleges, you will gather important information you’ll need to keep organized. If you can’t visit a campus in person, you can learn a lot by “visiting” a college online and reviewing their website. Information aggregation websites like U.S. News, Niche, Chegg and others can also be used to learn about different colleges and universities. Create a document where you can record important information, so you don’t forget. If you learn about a school that offers a particular major, write it down. If you hear about a Study Abroad program that sounds amazing, add this to your notes. If you had a great campus tour, be sure to record your experiences. Make a note of everything that excites you and is important to you so you don’t forget. Include notes about scholarships, internship programs, professors, research programs, outdoor opportunities, campus clubs, and more.

What are the best things to do in high school?

The high school years provide an abundance of opportunities to develop problem-solving skills and maturity needed for success in college. Take challenging courses that allow you to expand your academic focus and build on your future education goals. Get involved in extracurricular activities, discover your passions and pursue your dreams.

How to visit University of Portland?

If you are vacationing in Portland, OR and want to visit the University of Portland, contact UP Admissions to register for a campus tour. You can also attend an information session. These official offerings give potential students a lot of important information about what the school has to offer and what makes it unique.

How to pay for college in senior year?

Plan time into your schedule during the start of your senior year so you can properly focus on your college applications, as well as pursue financial aid and scholarships. Remember that financial aid can include not only scholarships and grants (money you don’t have to repay) but also loans (that you do have to repay). If you’ll need a part-time job, you can browse university jobs to find many opportunities. This vital research will help you develop a plan to pay for college.

What is college readiness?

College readiness encompasses all aspects of your academic preparation, including the basic skills of note-taking, reading texts, studying for exams, and writing essays and research paper s. It involves developing life skills, such as time management, goal setting, and managing money.

What is a good high school education?

A good high school education should do more than prepare you for the next level of education or for later employment —it should prepare you to take advantage of future learning opportunities of all kinds. You should gain particular skills and information, as well as a broad perspective on the world and its possibilities.

What are the secondary school subjects that are not specifically mentioned in our recommendations?

Various important secondary school subjects, such as art and music , are not specifically mentioned in our recommendations. The omission of these subjects should not be interpreted as a value judgment. We are concerned only with secondary school subjects for which we have data that suggest they are specific prerequisites for college work.

Is there a single academic path?

While there is no single academic path we expect all students to follow, we want to help you make choices that will lead you to a successful college career.

What to do if your high school doesn't have enough language classes?

If your high school doesn't offer enough language courses, online classes and self-study for the AP are other options.

How many years of high school do you need to study foreign language?

Most selective colleges and universities want to see at least two years of high school foreign language study.

Why do colleges evaluate your high school academic record?

First of all, when colleges evaluate your high school academic record, they want to see that you have taken the most challenging classes available to you. They recognize the significant disparity between schools. If upper-level and AP language classes simply aren't an option at your school, colleges shouldn't penalize you for not taking classes that don't exist.

Can colleges penalize you for not taking classes?

If upper-level and AP language classes simply aren't an option at your school, colleges shouldn't penalize you for not taking classes that don't exist. That said, colleges want to enroll students who are well prepared for college, for these students are much more likely to persist and succeed if admitted.

Can a student from China take the AP Spanish exam?

When a student from China takes the AP Chinese exam or a student from Argentina takes AP Spanish, the exam results aren't going to impress anyone in a significant way. For non-native English speakers, the much bigger issue will be demonstrating strong English language skills.

Do colleges care about language?

In general, colleges want to see foreign language proficiency, and they don't really care which language you study . Most students, in fact, have few choices. Many schools offer just a couple of languages such as French and Spanish.

Is French a good foreign language?

German and Chinese are both valuable languages for students interested in business, and strong French skills would be ideal for someone who wants to teach English or work in public health in Francophone Africa.

How to choose a college for ESL students?

Choosing a college: While ESL/ELL students should have done their research while applying to schools, the ultimate test comes when deciding which one to attend. Because their reading, grammar and writing skills may not be on par with native English speaking peers, they may struggle with their course load if they choose a school that doesn't offer services and support mechanisms tailored to their specific needs. If they don't have transportation of their own, getting to and from college from an off-campus residence could also be problematic. Lastly, students who are undocumented face an additional step when it comes to financial aid – they'll need to find out whether prospective colleges offer scholarships or grants and whether their immigration status affects their ability to receive institutional aid.

What is the best way to learn after high school?

Some students may be best suited to a traditional four-year degree program , while others may benefit more from a certification or degree earned at a two-year community college or vocational/trade school. By exploring these different options and comparing them to personal goals and interests, ESL/ELL students can better plan for their futures.

How much do ESL students make?

A 2016 report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics found that those with a high school diploma brought home a median weekly wage of $679 in the first quarter of 2016, while those with a bachelor’s degree earned $1,155 during the same timeframe. When considered across a year of working, those with a high school diploma earned just over $35,000 and those with a baccalaureate earned $60,000.

How long is the ESL bridge program at UCB?

The University of Colorado at Boulder The ESL Academic Bridge Program at UCB lasts 6-12 months and prepares ESL students to meet English language proficiency requirements. In addition to undertaking English coursework, students also attend workshops, events and activities to ensure a smooth transition into UCB academic and university life. Tuition ranges between $6,600 and $13,200 but financial aid is available.

Why is college important?

Find out why college is such a big deal Earning a college degree can help you land a higher-paying job, but that’s not the only reason why it’s important. College is also a place to expand your horizons and to learn about yourself and the world around you. As one teacher points out, though, many ESL students don’t think of college that way. Ask yourself, “what does a normal day in college look like?” If you aren’t sure how to answer this, find out. Talk to teachers and ask about their college experiences. Find out why they went to college and what they liked about it. If their responses get you excited, it’s time you start envisioning college as part of your future.

What is an ESL student?

In general, school systems define English as a Second Language (ESL) students and English Language Learners ( ELL) as those who are new to the United States, are non-native English speakers and are currently learning the language. These students account for nearly 10% of all public school attendees and that number is expected to grow in ...

How many English language learners attended public schools in 2014-15?

Roughly 4.6 million English language learners attended U.S. public schools in 2014-15 and, while many of these students have the English skills needed for everyday life, some lack the language proficiency to get into college. Or they may have misconceptions about college so aren’t even thinking about going. But many of these students have the drive ...

What does a college language course teach you?

As others have said, a college language course will teach you the basics, but you will really make no progress in speaking or understanding the target language in it's spoken form. This requires training your ears and your mouth, not just reading a lot of text, doing written exercises, and doing practice "conversations" that involve two students reading to each other from a script.

How many credits do you need to learn a language?

You can't just walk into a college language class and go "Yeah. I'll just fulfill the 6 credit requirement and be done." You'll forget whatever you were learning within the year. Learning a language takes time, effort, and a lot of mental strength. You'll feel like an idiot (I know I do!) and want to give up, but you can't. Being bilingual or multilingual is such a useful, fun thing!

How many students are in a college class?

Quality varies. Usually in a college class you end up with 15 to 20 other students (sometimes more), most without motivation and the teacher has to teach to the crowd. You will learn something, but even if you keep up closely with the classwork, much of the instruction will be in English and the nature of the evaluation will focus on reading and writing skills. In the last 50 years I have ended up in Spanish, German, French, Russian, Ancient Greek, and Japanese classes. (It is sort of a hobby with me.) Yes the were worth it, when I needed it I had the credit records to do what I needed with it

What are the weaknesses of language classes?

They teach the language like another school subject, rather than like what it really should be, which is an ability. Speaking a language is a skill, like playing an instrument or a sport. Learning the rules of basketball is easy. Becoming good at playing basketball is much harder, and that's why basketball practice is just that: practice. This is what language classes should be, and in fact this is what good language classes that are designed to actually teach people to speak are. They involve much less reading, and much less grammar instruction, and much more simple speaking practice .

Do you need to follow up on your college education to speak the language?

I learned that if you truly wish to speak the language you need to follow up your college education with hard and sincere self study. and that alone is not good enough, you need to hook up face to face with a native speaker.

Is it worth taking a college language course?

College languages courses are absolutely beneficial in my opinion. They give monolingual students a larger grasp of linguistics and the history of language, as well as the ability to get in touch with more cultures and people. Yes, you'll need to really immerse yourself in the language to get close enough to fluent, but it is so worth it! I don't see myself giving up German anytime soon. I'm hoping to learn a relatively large amount of languages before I die (German, French, Italian, Dutch, Esperanto). Granted, they become a bit too formal, but it's worth it for business reasons.

Is it good to take foreign language classes?

I have had a positive experience taking foreign language courses in college. However, this experience obviously varies depending on the school, language, and the person taking it.