Learning a foreign (or world) language in high school for three or more years is worthwhile, even if it is not required to graduate. Being skilled in another language will add to your college and future job applications, make travel easier and more fulfilling, and allow you to connect with people from all over the world!
Do you have ambitions to travel some day? Foreign language will help!
While foreign language requirements for college are in some cases limited to two years, you don’t have to be a recruiter to realize that going beyond the requirements, and taking a third year of a foreign language, will better prepare you for success in the long run.
How many years of a language is required for high school?
High schools typically require two years of foreign language. Your high school may also not require you to take the same language for two years in a row. For example, you may start learning Spanish but decide French is actually the language you are most interested in or feel more comfortable speaking.
However, colleges (especially Ivy League Universities and schools typically looking for students with competitive transcripts) require a minimum of three years learning the same language consistently in order to be eligible for admission.
Taking a world language for more than three years shows a willingness to learn and challenge yourself. It may also indicate an aptitude for language learning and an interest in education.
Do I need three years of foreign language?
High school students should prepare for future studies by taking at least a third year of a foreign language. Three years of foreign language classes are needed to be a competitive candidate for most college applications, internships, and job opportunities.
Students choosing which language to study in high school should think carefully about which one they can stick with, enjoy, and may lend to future travel and job opportunities.
READ: 8 Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language in High School
How many years of foreign languages do colleges require?
You can sometimes earn college credit by studying a third year of foreign language in high school.
Colleges may only require a minimum of two to three years of foreign language, but admissions personnel are often looking for more when determining who will be the most beneficial or well-rounded students for their school.
Most likely, this will often also impact grants and scholarships offered. When making decisions about admissions and financial aid, colleges are known to favor students who have demonstrated depth in their knowledge of a subject, persistence in learning, and willingness to take on a challenge.
Additionally, you may be able to take an AP (Advanced Placement) language class or two in high school which would both look great on college applications and count toward college credit! This will help toward foreign language requirements for college graduation. Online language classes are also usually an option if you are looking to get ahead in high school.
Why you should take a third year of foreign language in high school
1. Better job prospects
Studying hard now means a better future later!
Whether or not you seek post-secondary education, proficiency in a second language can only help your job prospects. Not only are most jobs now global, a knowledge of another language may allow you to better connect with international colleagues or those with backgrounds different from your own.
If you don’t plan to go to college, knowledge of a foreign language can increase your competitiveness in the job market and open up new career possibilities (sometimes even more so than a degree).
2. It’s easier to learn when surrounded by support
In addition to being in a learning environment with support from teachers and fellow students, practicing a foreign language while in high school is much easier than when you’re older and may have other responsibilities and commitments.
Adding a class to your schedule that you’ll be required to attend daily will be better motivation to learn than trying to make up for lost time later on. Put simply, you’ll be setting yourself up for future success!
3. Travel opportunities
Why not show off your language skills abroad? If your dreams include a study abroad experience, international volunteer trip, or other fun-filled adventures in far off places, knowing a language is sure to help you get there (and amplify your experience when you do)!
4. Become a global citizen
Expand your entire world by committing to your language studies!
Knowing another language is the key to opening the front door to another culture and way of life. By understanding someone’s native language, you’ll better understand their worldview, or perspective. Language learning is the first step to becoming a true global citizen and making a difference in the world.
5. Make friends from all over the world
Whether traveling or in your own community, you’ll be able to connect with more people by knowing another language. Being able to expand your network outside of your native language could literally change your life through meaningful relationships.
6. Learning for the sake of knowledge
Learning a language in high school is fun and improves brain functions like memory and problem solving. Plus, the added challenge will prepare you for the courseload in college, or simply prove to yourself what you’re capable of when you commit to something.
Get matched with 5 high school language programs abroad—for FREE
Take a third year of foreign language abroad!
Convinced a third year of foreign language in high school is right for you? Consider taking that third year abroad and learning even more about your studied language and its culture!
Immersion is by far the best way to become proficient, and even fluent, in a foreign language. There are a variety of programs that would fit your needs when it comes to learning a language abroad in high school:
1. Greenheart Travel: High School Abroad in Spain
- Why? Spend a trimester, semester, or year going to high school and learning Spanish while living with a host family! By taking classes alongside Spanish peers and staying with a local Spanish family, you’ll be fully immersed in the language and culture of Spain. You may also learn about local dialects and differences in the Spanish language depending where you are in the country and the world. Bonus: incredible food like paella and fun festivals like Semana Santa!
- Where? Spain
- Language: Spanish
- Read Greenheart Travel reviews
2. Youth For Understanding: Study Abroad in Germany
- Why? Taking German in high school or want to get a running start? Germany is a fascinating place to travel and the German language is spoken by over 130 million people. German castles, traditional food, and cultural events are just a few enticing aspects of this program. You should also consider the potential scholarships on offer and ability to stay with a German host family.
- Where? Germany
- Language: German
- Read Youth for Understanding reviews
3. AFS Intercultural Programs: High School Abroad in France
- Why? French is one of the most widely spoken languages in the world, and there is no better place to practice it for a third year than in France! Live in a community along the Mediterranean coast, just outside a French city like Paris—the City of Light—or within view of the snow-capped Alps! Become fluent in the most romantic language in the world while taking in the breathtaking scenery, architecture, and ambience of France.
- Where? France
- Language: French
- Read AFS-USA reviews
4. Arcos Journeys Abroad: Spanish Language & Costa Rican Culture
- Why? Not quite ready for a full semester or year of school abroad? This 2-4 week summer experience may be the adventure for you. Take Spanish classes in an open air classroom, live with a Costa Rican family, and spend free time visiting a tropical rainforest and Arenal Volcano! You’ll be surprised how much you can learn in just a short time.
- Where? Costa Rica
- Language: Spanish
- Read Arcos Journeys Abroad reviews
The more language you learn, the more adventure you’ll have
Why not become a more capable, well rounded adult?
Learning a language is undoubtedly easier when you’re surrounded by classmates and a dedicated professor to help and practice with. Better yet, full immersion and taking classes abroad will speed you along to full language fluency. Either way, taking a third year of a foreign language in high school or college sets you up for a future filled with adventure!
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