The college I'm attending requires foreign language credits. The required credits can be achieved in a couple different ways. These ways include: testing out of a language, taking one semester course at an intermediate level, or taking two semester courses starting from the beginner course. I tested for Spanish and was placed at an average level but ultimately decided against it. Instead, I thought about taking a new language that I never had the opportunity to take before in high school. Chinese seemed like a fun and challenging language to attempt. As a freshman, I've only been taking the language for two weeks, but I've already learned some ways in which learning a new language in college is beneficial.
1. The teachers are really nice.
More often than not college professors seem rather easy going. Most of them are especially nice to freshmen. The interesting thing with learning a new language is that whether you're a freshman or not the teacher will most likely be extremely patient and kind. They don't seem to expect a whole lot from students in regards to what they already understand about the language. In fact, they take into account how new the material is to students when teaching it. They know it's foreign terrain, thus they take it easy and slow.
2. Gaining some equal footing with upperclassmen.
Taking a beginners class basically guarantees that everyone comes into the classroom knowing little to nothing about the subject. Some students might know a few stray facts or words beforehand, but the majority of students are blank slates. Some of the other students in these beginner classes may be upperclassmen, and this can help freshmen gain equal footing with upperclassmen. Having upperclassmen in the classroom also allows for new friendships and connections to be made.
3. You get to try awesome new food.
Most foreign language classes give students the opportunity to learn about the culture that accompanies the language. One of these learning experiences can be trying new food. In my Beginners Chinese class, the teacher brought in moon cakes for us to try. We also learned about the legend of the Mid-Autumn Festival. Interesting stories and delicious food make being a rookie fun.
4. You find out it's actually a really interesting language to learn.
I was excited to start a new language, but I was also extremely nervous. After meeting the teacher and realizing how patient she was going to be, I realized I might actually have a chance at learning this seemingly complicated language. Learning to memorize characters and Pinyin sounds is actually quite entertaining. It's especially fun when you find a friend in class to practice with.
5. The potential to minor in a language.
So far Chinese seems like it will be both fun and challenging. If the classes continue to be like this, I may eventually decide to take a minor in the subject. I cannot guarantee that I will major in the language at this point, but the potential for it to become a minor is an outlook I can hold onto. A minor in a foreign language would always look great on a resume, and it also allows students to gain a greater understanding of the world.
