It's not often that you meet someone in college who plans on majoring in a foreign language, so that begs the question: why do it? Although I am a student double majoring in Advertising and Italian, I decided to ask some friends and professors what their thoughts were on majoring in a foreign language.

Most people wouldn't ever consider majoring in a foreign language for a few main reasons—they believe the course load would be too much work, that it would not be enjoyable, and that it would not benefit them. Professor Johanna Wagner from Penn State's Italian department and one of my professors this semester spoke passionately to students deciding on their major, and those who may be thinking about majoring in a foreign language.

"I think students should not think of it as an obstacle, but as an opportunity."

She offered a lot of important insight into why majoring/double-majoring in an FL can really benefit any college student in essentially any other major. It really sets students apart from their peers, especially when they're applying for jobs. One example could be a student who chooses to double major in business and Italian. When they graduated they would already be specially qualified for any positions in business overseas in cities like Milan, an Italian metropolis and international fashion and business capital.

Another huge benefit of majoring in an FL is that it says something about a person and their work ethic, that they are dedicated, driven, and persistent. If you major in another language, you have to be fully dedicated to it. If you are double-majoring, you have to develop a plan of how you want your language and alternate major to blend together in your career once you graduate. You have to ask yourself "where do I want to work?" and "how can majoring in Spanish/French/Italian get me there?"

A close friend of mine, who is also double-majoring in Italian, also was eager to share why she has decided to pick up a foreign language, and her journey with Italian so far.

"Bilingualism gives you opportunities to make new life experiences, meet new people, and it will open doors you didn't know existed."

She and I both agree that the course load isn't super easy, but that the professors are passionate and make all the classes fun and interesting.

Her favorite part about majoring in another language was being able to see her personal progress, which she finds really rewarding, especially when she gets to speak proper Italian with her relatives from Naples whom she used to have to struggle to communicate with. She said it surpassed all of her expectations for getting into a foreign language, especially since she had taken Italian previously in high school and had a negative experience.

"In college, there is more freedom. You learn, not just the language, but also about the culture, the people, and the history."

Professor Wagner decided to offer one major tip to students who are interested in foreign languages or other cultures who could pick up a second major, or even an FL minor!

It's easier than you think!

Not all FL courses are taught by a cold, unyielding professor who refuses to speak in English to you. The courses, especially beginning ones, have understanding and dedicated profs who are often from the home country of whichever language they teach and are very well-equipped to teach beginners. Granted, it isn't a cakewalk, nor should it be. You're not just learning another language, you are learning about a nation's people, current events, culture, and history!