In high school, Spanish class was a learning experience. It was also very fun. There's something about learning a new language that is confusing, but exciting, like a sexy Rubix cube ("To All the Boys I've Loved Before" — Watch it!). From the projects to the new culture that you're gaining knowledge about to that extreme frustration when you just don't get it, the fun never ends.
College foreign language classes are quite similar. They're also a little different. Without further ado, here are the top eight reasons to take a foreign language class in college.
1. You can learn a new culture!
Taking a foreign language class isn't just learning a new language, but you're learning about that group of people as well. It's awesome to learn about a completely different culture in the world.
2. You experience new foods.
Foreign language classes teach you about the different foods of the people that speak the language, and you'd be remiss if you didn't go try them.
3. You make new friends.
Foreign language classes aren't the easiest courses. In fact, they can be quite challenging. It's awesome to meet new people that you can study with, cry with, and be friends with.
4. You work super hard.
Foreign language classes are a different breed of hard work. Often departmental, since you're trying to master a completely different language, you're assigned a lot of work. I'm talking daily assignments (more than one), that are extremely extensive. Last semester, I'd spend about three hours a day doing work for Spanish. And that was an introductory course.
5. You feel super accomplished.
Playing on number four, you do all this work… and you feel super triumphant after that. You may be exhausted, but you're learning a super valuable skill, which is awesome.
6. Your teachers are great!
Foreign language instructors are usually the sweetest and extremely understanding. And you don't just learn about the subject that they're teaching. My first Spanish teacher was Columbian, and she talked about her life in her native country often. It was super interesting, and I learned things that I might not have otherwise known. She was also hilarious.
7. Jobs adore you.
Knowing or having knowledge of a foreign language is a huge plus to any job. Whether you learned it in high school, college, or you're self-taught; put it on your resume. And you don't have to be fluent. Just having experience is enough for a job to increase your pay.
8. You fall in love with it.
From the culture to the language to the people, learning a foreign language is quite an immersive experience. And you will end up loving it. As exhausted as I was, I never failed to be interested in the course matter. And for one class, it was pretty great.
It's not too late to pick up a foreign language. Do it.
