Can You Learn a Language While Studying at University?

Yes, you absolutely can learn a new language while pursuing your degree at university. Many institutions offer a variety of language courses, and some even have them as part of their core curriculum. However, the approach to language learning can vary widely by institution and course offerings.

Language Courses in University Curriculum

Some universities integrate language learning into their academic programs, allowing students to study one or more languages as part of their degree requirements. For example, you can pursue a degree in English or another discipline while taking additional language classes. If a specific language you're interested in isn't available, there are still options. You could enroll in a general language course offered by your university.

Exploring Language Options at Your University

Your choice of university will determine the availability of language courses. Depending on the university, you might find that certain languages, such as French, German, or Russian, have dedicated language courses from scratch. If you’re keen on a specific language that isn’t offered, you might need to look for an institution that provides it.

For instance, if you wish to study Norwegian or Swedish, you might find that your university offers these courses through its Scandinavian studies program. As an international student, I had the opportunity to study French and German, but the flexibility allowed me to take Russian if I desired.

Community Colleges and Extensive Language Learning

Community colleges also offer language courses, and they might be more accessible. These courses can be intensive and lead to significant progress over a year. For example, if you enroll in Norwegian language classes and engage in activities like joining the Norwegian glee club, listening to Norwegian music, reading Norwegian literature, and visiting the country, you can make tremendous strides in language acquisition.

During my undergraduate studies, I learned Norwegian through my university’s offerings, and I also took Danish and Swedish through community college classes. These classes and activities helped me retain and practice the languages effectively.

Time Commitment and Practical Application

The success of language learning in university settings depends on the intensity of the courses and the opportunities for practical application. If your language classes are intensive, such as three hours a day every weekday, and you have multiple opportunities or a necessity to use that language outside of class, you can make significant progress in a year. For example, if you’re studying Norwegian and participate in a variety of activities like joining a singing club, reading literature, or traveling to Norway, you can achieve a pretty adequate understanding, speaking, and writing skills.

On the other hand, if you only have a limited number of classes in a year, you might only scratch the surface and reach a beginner to intermediate level. Many colleges offer language courses, but the extent to which you can immerse yourself in the language can greatly affect your learning outcomes.

Conclusion

Whether you’re a student at a traditional university or a community college, there are numerous opportunities to learn a language while pursuing your degree. The key is to choose the right institution with suitable language courses and to actively engage in the learning process both in and out of the classroom. With dedication and the right resources, you can enhance your language skills significantly during your time in college.