The study of a foreign language is an ideal way to enhance one’s course study at GSU and to prepare students for a global society. It is often said that monolingualism is the illiteracy of the 21st Century. By studying a foreign language, students not only open themselves up to other cultural points of view, but they acquire skills that prepare them for a global marketplace after graduation. On one hand, the study of foreign languages gives a level of cultural competency and global awareness that complements any field of study be it in the social or natural sciences, computational science, public health, business, law, education, or the humanities. On the other hand, knowledge of languages and especially foreign study experiences hone practical skills that employers explicitly seek: an ability to communicate, attention to detail, collaboration with others, self-discipline and the ability to adapt to challenges.
Unfortunately, many students wait to complete or pursue a foreign language until later in their undergraduate matriculation. Led by the interim Chair of Modern and Classical Languages, Prof. William Nichols and Mr. Nikolas Huot, students in GSU 1010 will be encouraged to take the foreign language placement exam during their first year at GSU. In addition to increasing the number of students taking the placement exam during their first year, it is our hope that this pilot accomplishes the following:
- Increase the number of students considering training in foreign languages
- Increase the number of students placed in the appropriate foreign language course
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