Why Study a Foreign Language in College?

Spanish, Mandarin, Hebrew, Greek, ASL – what do they all have in common? The answer is that they’re all languages that you can study at Concordia University, Nebraska! Foreign language classes are required in many U.S. high schools, but not in colleges. Most of the time, they’re simply options for students who wish to continue their language studies or learn a whole new language after high school. However, there are many reasons why you should consider studying a foreign language in college, no matter how much experience you’ve had previously.  

Increasing Cognitive Abilities 

That’s right – studies show that learning a foreign language, even in college, can actually increase your memory, ability to focus and capacity to switch between tasks easily! Having to switch between two languages if you are, for example, teaching in another country or working in a multilingual U.S. classroom, can strengthen your ability to transition between other mental tasks. The focus and attention span needed to focus on speaking a foreign language instead of your native one, in addition, is what can allow that attention span to grow. If you want to strengthen your mind, studying a foreign language is one of the best ways to do it! 

Opening Job Opportunities 

In today’s globalized and multicultural world, being bilingual – or even trilingual! -- is an asset. Whether you work in the field of business and interact with foreign clients or are an educator who needs to communicate with students whose first language isn’t English, being able to communicate well in a language other than English will make your job application stand out. Plus, studying a foreign language in college most likely means that you will study the associated culture of a particular region or people, making it easier to live your life in that country. Knowing culture can benefit your work as a missionary, educator, or almost anything else abroad! 

Easier to Learn More Languages 

Once you’ve learned one, it’s easier to learn more, especially since languages form “families,” meaning that their grammatical structures and pronunciations are similar. For example, once you master Spanish, you may find it easier to pick up French or Italian. Plus, the cognitive skills that you gain from picking up your first foreign language can help you learn more. You’ll remember vocabulary with more ease and find it smoother to switch between languages in your brain. If you love learning languages – or discover this about yourself while learning your first foreign language – becoming multilingual might not be as difficult as you think! 

Enhanced Cultural Understanding 

Language and culture are inseparable, so learning a language comes with a broader understanding of cultural nuance, whether it’s linked to how people in a certain region speak your language of choice, or if it’s through a class you take that specifically focuses on the culture associated with the language. Being able to communicate in another language opens doors for deeper understanding of the people for whom it is their native tongue. Additionally, traveling or working abroad becomes much easier when you understand the region’s language – you'll be able to make new friends, order food, converse with strangers, and more! All of this contributes to a wider cultural experience in the area. Even if you don’t travel or live abroad, your foreign language studies will contribute to a well-rounded, global worldview.  

Add More to Your Degree 

Finally, studying a foreign language in college, especially if you add a related minor or major, can add a lot to your degree! When you graduate, you’ll have another area of expertise that’s documented in your transcript. This is particularly beneficial when it comes to career-searching – future employers will see this skill on your resume, and it could be the credential that makes the difference between being hired or not being hired to the industry, company, or career of your dreams.  

At Concordia University, Nebraska, you can study modern languages like Mandarin or Spanish, American Sign Language, or languages like Hebrew and Greek, which will enrich your study of God’s Word. Learn more about how language studies can supplement your college education at Concordia Nebraska here.