Study Abroad in a Foreign Language

We strongly encourage you to study one of the many languages taught at Wesleyan, and to study abroad in a country where that language is spoken. Wesleyan alumni who have studied abroad through the medium of a foreign language overwhelmingly identify the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence achieved thereby as their greatest sources of satisfaction regarding their university experience! 

• For which countries does Wesleyan require prior language study?

  You will need prior language experience if you plan to study abroad for a semester or year in a country whose primary language is one of the following: 

  • Arabic 
  • Chinese 
  • French 
  • German 
  • Hebrew 
  • Italian 
  • Japanese 
  • Korean 
  • Portuguese
  • Russian 
  • Spanish 

  
  Exceptions to this policy are made only for certain monothematic programs—see the programs page for more information about specific programs. 
  
  We strongly encourage you to enroll in a language course each semester before studying abroad, especially the last semester before you go. Research shows that not using your language for extended periods of time leads to a significant loss of proficiency.
  

• What language level do I need to meet before I go abroad?

  If you plan to study abroad for a semester or year in a French, German, Italian, Russian, or Spanish-speaking country, you will be required to take most or all of your courses abroad through the medium of the target language. Therefore, you will be expected to reach the following level by the program start date: 

  Language	Must complete this course by program start date
  French	FREN 215 or one course beyond FREN 215* or equivalent (B or B+* or higher)
  German	GRST 211 or GRST 214* or equivalent
  Italian	ITAL 111 or equivalent (B or higher)
  Russian	RUSS 202 or equivalent
  Spanish	SPAN 221 or advanced SPAN seminar* or equivalent (B or B+* or higher)

  * Pre-requisite depends on program or semester. See eligibility requirements on ViaTRM program pages for details.

  If you plan to study abroad for a semester or year in an Arabic, Chinese, Hebrew, Japanese, Korean, or Portuguese-speaking country, you are encouraged to take all courses in the target language as your language level and program permit, but English-taught classes are permissible.  

  Language	Must complete this course by program start date
  Arabic	ARAB 102 or equivalent
  Chinese	CHIN 104, CHIN 206, or CHIN 218* or equivalent
  Hebrew	HEBR 201 or equivalent
  Japanese	JAPN 104 or 206* or equivalent
  Korean	KREA 154 or equivalent
  Portuguese	PORT 156 or equivalent

  * Pre-requisite depends on program or semester. See eligibility requirements on ViaTRM program pages for details.

  You are expected to enroll in a course in the target language the semester before studying abroad. You’re also strongly urged to continue to take courses in the target language after returning to Wesleyan in order to build on the skills and knowledge acquired abroad. 

• I have experience with a foreign language but haven’t taken any classes at Wesleyan. Can I take a language placement test?
  If you have studied a language before coming to Wesleyan or if you are a heritage speaker, you can take a language placement test in Moodle to determine your current level in the language. 

• What are the language pre-requisites for Wesleyan’s programs in France, Italy, and Spain?
  Students interested in studying on the Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Paris or Vassar-Wesleyan Program in Madrid are required to have completed the equivalent of 5 semesters of university-level instruction (French 215 or Spanish 221) with a grade of B or higher recently. Applicants are expected to take a formal course in the language the term before they go abroad no matter what their level. Students applying to the Madrid program who have skipped more than two semesters of coursework in Spanish are likely to be asked to take a seminar and apply the following term. Highly qualified students with 4 semesters of college French or Spanish (French 112, Spanish 112) may be considered under special circumstances. Ordinarily, such students will have taken French or Spanish continually since their first term, will have completed only four semesters of college French or Spanish before going abroad, and will be able to document why they cannot study abroad in a different semester (e.g., major requirements, athletic schedule or theatrical production).    

  Students planning to study on the Eastern College Consortium Program in Bologna are required to complete Italian 111. 

• What are the benefits of studying abroad in another language?

  Here are 8 reasons why we recommend studying abroad in another language: 

  1. Alumni who have studied abroad through the medium of a foreign language overwhelmingly identify the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence achieved thereby as their greatest sources of satisfaction regarding their university experience.  
  2. Deep study of another culture through its language brings home how much of value will never be made available in English.   
  3. Language learning teaches you to think more clearly and sharpens your brain's ability to make sense of the world.  
  4. You will never know your own language and culture more deeply than by studying another--by looking at it from the outside. Learning to thrive with the unfamiliar is often linked to creativity in many intellectual and professional contexts.  
  5. Many employers, professional schools, fellowships, and graduate schools see serious study of a second language (potentially, a double-major) as evidence that you can (a) put yourself more easily in others' (colleagues', clients') shoes and (b) communicate more effectively even in English. 
  6. Puzzling out another language and culture will help you understand and empathize with the difficulties of non-anglophone immigrants, colleagues, clients, and travelers in the U.S., even if you never leave American shores. 
  7. Learning another language well makes it easier to learn any language in the future. Even if you never need this, the experience--especially if you study abroad--will make you far more confident in your ability to face any intellectual or professional challenge.   
  8. Foreign-language courses fit easily into study plans: offered on highly varied schedules, they provide a stimulating break from problem-set driven, heavy-reading or arts courses. Language courses tend to be fun and offer a great way to diversify any program of study. 

• I’m anxious about taking my classes in the target language. Will I be ready?

  It's very normal to feel nervous about speaking, listening, and taking classes in a language that is not your first. We applaud your willingness to step outside your comfort zone because that’s where intercultural understanding is developed.  

  Most of all, remember that you’re not alone! Here are some things to keep in mind: 

  • Wesleyan’s language departments are exceptional and prepare their students very well for language immersion and study abroad. If you have concerns about your language proficiency, meet with your language professor during student hours for guidance and support. 

  • Alumni who have studied abroad through the medium of a foreign language overwhelmingly identify the knowledge, skills, and self-confidence achieved thereby as their greatest sources of satisfaction regarding their university experience. Reach out to a study abroad peer leader to learn about their experience. 

  • Make sure you’re enrolled in a course in the target language the semester before studying abroad. This will keep the language fresh in your mind. 

• What can I do the semester before I study abroad to prepare for my language immersion?

  It's very important that you take a language course the semester before studying abroad. Here are some other ways you may prepare:

  • Attend language conversation tables
  • Change the language of your TV and phone to the target language
  • Pair up with a language buddy to hold you accountable
  • Talk with your language professor to discuss any concerns or seek advice 

• Are there language pre-requisites for summer or winter programs?
  No, there are not any language pre-requisites for summer or winter programs. 

Study Abroad in English

There are many study abroad options where prior language study is not required, such as English-speaking countries and countries whose primary language is not taught at Wesleyan. 

If you plan to study abroad in a country where English is not the primary language (and the language is not taught at Wes), you will take all your courses in English. In that case, Wesleyan also requires that you take at least one course focused on the language of the host country or region each semester you’re abroad. For example, if you attend a program in Hungary, one of the courses you’ll take is Introductory Hungarian. 

• I plan to study in a country whose primary language I do not know. Though my courses will be in English, how might I prepare for this upcoming experience?
  It’s always a good idea to become familiar with some basic vocabulary before you depart. We highly encourage you to check out the language self-instructional opportunities available through FCGS.  

• If I study abroad in an English-speaking country, will I need to take a foreign language class?

  No, you will not be required to take a foreign language class if you study abroad in a country where the primary language is English. 

  If you plan to study abroad in a country where English is not the primary language (and the language is not taught at Wes), you will need to take at least one course focused on the language of the host country or region each semester you’re abroad. For example, if you attend a program in Hungary, one of the courses you’ll take is Introductory Hungarian. 

• Can I take courses in English in a country where Wesleyan requires prior language study?

  Exceptions to Wesleyan's aforementioned language policy are made only for certain monothematic programs—see the programs page for more information about specific programs. 

  If you have a documented disability that impacts your ability to learn a foreign language, please reach out to Accessibility Services to discuss your options.