Foreign Language Requirements For International College Students

Foreign language requirements for college admissions vary across institutions. While some colleges require applicants to have completed foreign language classes in high school, others do not. For instance, Yale University does not have a foreign language requirement. However, most colleges expect to see at least two years of foreign language study in high school, preferably in the same language. Some highly selective schools, such as Stanford University and Harvard University, prefer three or four years of study. The University of Notre Dame requires two units of foreign language study, while Harvard and Princeton have a higher, informal expectation of four units. In addition to admission requirements, many colleges also require students to take foreign language classes as part of their undergraduate general education requirements to graduate.

Are international students required to take a foreign language for college?

Foreign language requirements for admission

Some of the most selective colleges, such as Harvard and Princeton, prefer applicants to have studied a foreign language for four years, although this is not a formal minimum requirement. Stanford University recommends three or more years, while the University of Texas at Austin requires first-year applicants to complete two to four credits of a foreign language.

In some cases, colleges may allow students with previous foreign language experience to pass an exam to waive the foreign language requirement. Students with a documented learning disability or other challenges in learning a foreign language may also be eligible for accommodations or an exemption.

If English is not your first language, you may not need to worry about foreign language courses as part of your college education. Instead, the bigger issue will be demonstrating strong English language skills through a high score on a test like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

Benefits of learning a foreign language

International students whose first language is not English are not usually required to take a foreign language course as part of their college education. Instead, they will need to demonstrate a strong command of the English language through exams like the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) or the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

However, for students whose first language is English, or for those who are proficient in English, taking a foreign language course is often a requirement for admission to college. This requirement varies from school to school, with some highly selective colleges expecting to see three or four years of language study.

Regardless of the requirements, learning a foreign language has numerous benefits, and here are some of them:

Improved Cognitive Abilities

Learning a foreign language has been shown to improve brain and memory functions, boost creativity, and enhance one's understanding of their native language. It stimulates the brain, forcing it to put words together in new and creative ways.

Enhanced Cultural Understanding and Empathy

By learning the language of a particular place, one naturally becomes more familiar with the culture of that region. This expands one's worldview, making one more flexible, tolerant, and open-minded. It also deepens one's travel experiences, allowing for more meaningful interactions and a better appreciation of local customs, food, and art.

Increased Self-Confidence

Learning a foreign language can be intimidating, as it often involves making mistakes and stepping out of one's comfort zone. However, overcoming these challenges leads to a significant boost in self-esteem and confidence, especially when one can converse comfortably with native speakers.

Broader Career Opportunities

In today's globalized economy, proficiency in a foreign language can set one apart in the job market. It is particularly advantageous in sectors such as tech, education, business, and law, as well as other fields that play a key role in international trade and relations.

Access to Information and Art

Most of the world's art, literature, music, films, and online content are in languages other than English. Learning a foreign language allows access to these treasures in their original form, providing a deeper and more profound cultural experience.

In conclusion, while the requirements for foreign language study may vary for international students applying to colleges, the numerous benefits outlined above highlight the value of acquiring proficiency in a second (or third!) language.

Foreign language requirements for graduation

Many colleges and universities in the United States require students to complete a certain number of credits or years of study in a foreign language as part of their graduation requirements. For example, the University of Notre Dame's College of Arts and Letters and College of Science require 9-12 credits in a foreign language for graduation. Similarly, Northwestern University's School of Communication mandates that undergraduates pass the third quarter of a second-year language sequence with a grade of C or higher.

No Foreign Language Requirement

On the other hand, some institutions do not have a foreign language requirement for graduation. For instance, Yale University does not have such a requirement and is open to understanding applicants' course choices. Additionally, students at some universities may be able to petition for a waiver or exemption from the foreign language requirement due to learning disabilities or other challenges.

Benefits of Foreign Language Proficiency

Regardless of graduation requirements, proficiency in a foreign language can be advantageous for students. It can enhance their college applications, demonstrate adaptability and a global perspective, and increase their appeal to universities with international partnerships. Additionally, foreign language skills can be beneficial for certain careers, such as translation and diplomacy, and can be useful in fields like teaching, customer service, journalism, medicine, and others. Proficiency in a foreign language can also be personally enriching, fostering connections to other cultures and promoting a more open-minded perspective.

Waivers and exemptions

International students whose native language is not English may be eligible for a waiver or exemption from foreign language requirements at some institutions. For example, SUNY Plattsburgh offers a foreign language waiver for international students who meet specific criteria. These criteria include having a native language as the language of instruction during secondary school or studying their native language through the end of secondary school, evidenced by a nationally standardized examination. Additionally, international students who have completed certain IB examinations in a foreign language may also qualify for a waiver.

Some universities, such as USC, offer exemptions for students who can provide proof of at least two years of full-time secondary schooling beyond the age of 14, taught in a foreign language in a country where English is not the official language. Students with documented learning disabilities or physical impairments that inhibit language acquisition may also petition for substitutions or exemptions.

It is important to note that requirements and policies regarding waivers and exemptions can vary significantly between institutions. While some colleges may require a certain number of foreign language credits for admission or graduation, others may allow students to petition for a waiver if they face challenges in meeting these requirements. Prospective students should consult with their academic advisor or the admissions department of their intended college to understand the specific criteria and processes for obtaining a waiver or exemption.

Additionally, while foreign language requirements are common for college admissions, they are not universal. Some colleges may not have specific foreign language requirements, and international students whose native language is not English may not need to worry about foreign language courses as part of their college education. Instead, their focus may be on demonstrating strong English language skills through tests like the TOEFL, IELTS, or PTE.

Foreign language tests

For international students, demonstrating proficiency in the English language is a crucial part of the college application process in the US. While foreign language courses may not be necessary, international students are often required to take standardised English proficiency tests to ensure they can actively participate in lessons.

English Proficiency Tests

The most commonly accepted English proficiency tests are the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) and the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL). These tests are widely recognised by US universities and colleges, and a minimum score is typically required for admission. The IELTS is recognised by over 11,000 institutions worldwide and is jointly managed by the British Council, IDP: IELTS Australia, and Cambridge Assessment English. The TOEFL is another popular option, with scores accepted by more than 11,500 universities and other institutions in over 160 countries.

Other Standardised Tests

In addition to English proficiency tests, international students applying to US colleges may also need to take other standardised tests, such as the SAT or ACT. These tests assess academic performance, with a focus on mathematics, grammar, and analytical writing skills. The specific tests required can vary depending on the institution and the programme of study, so it is important for students to check the requirements with the admissions office of their desired universities or colleges.

Foreign Language Requirements for Domestic Students

While the focus for international students is often on demonstrating English proficiency, foreign language requirements for domestic students applying to US colleges vary. Many colleges require applicants to have completed foreign language classes in high school, typically a minimum of two years of study in a single language. However, highly selective schools may prefer to see three or four years of language study. Additionally, some colleges may require students to complete one or more semesters of a foreign language as part of their undergraduate studies to fulfil graduation requirements.

Frequently asked questions