A proposal from Princeton University was recently created to require all undergraduate students to take a foreign language

MONTREAL, QC, USA, February 8, 2017 /EINPresswire.com/ -- A proposal from Princeton University was recently created to require all undergraduate students to take a foreign language even if they are already proficient in a second language. It would be part of the general education requirements regardless of the field of study.

Currently, many universities and colleges do not require a foreign language class for graduation. Those that do often allow students to opt out if they can prove proficiency in a second language. The report from Princeton challenges this notion by saying it is important for cultural awareness. As the report states, “We also see language as a critical point of entry into cross-cultural understanding.” For the proposal to become part of the school’s policy, it must be approved by administrators and the faculty committees as well as the full faculty.

According to the report, learning a second language would prepare students for future global interaction by providing them with the tools they need to develop a worldview of the different cultures. While Princeton currently has a requirement that students have a proficiency in a second language before graduation, it may be fulfilled outside of class. For instance, the student may be able to fulfill the requirement through a high SAT II test score or getting a top score in the Advanced Placement exam. If the proposal passes, even those who have high scores on the AP or who show fluency in more than one language would be required to take at least one semester in a second language.

Yale University is another higher learning institution that has the requirement for all undergraduate students to take a foreign language class. Other universities do not have this requirement at all or allow the student to fulfill it through an exam.
A spokesperson for the Berlitz Group, a language learning program in Montreal, is excited about the change. “It helps people develop an awareness of other cultures, and it puts an emphasis on the benefits of learning a new language.” Several studies have shown that studying a second language can help students improve in other areas, including math. Because math also uses patterns and solves puzzles, the two classes are similar in spite of their differences. It also assists students with their native language for reading, spelling and grammar.

Adding a foreign language to a resume gives graduates an edge in the job market. As more companies expand globally either by setting up an office in a second location or by hiring remote workers from around the world, the ability to speak a foreign language will help advance the careers of entry-level applicants. They will have an advantage over those who did not have the foreign language requirement in college.

For those who have already graduated without a foreign language, they can learn on their own through various language learning programs like the Berlitz Group. With the option of physical or online classes, anyone can study a second language regardless of their current schedule.

Mikael Bouchereau
Berlitz Canada
514-283-3111
email us here

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