The World Language Department advises that students beginning their study of a foreign language understand that a commitment to daily preparation and oral participation are essential to building a strong foundation for success in the course and for the advancement to the next level. All world languages are difficult to the extent that they all require a commitment to daily study and to the learning of new vocabulary. Basic skills, such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, and cultural content are taught via art, music, magazines, podcasts, poems, short reading selections, texts, and videos. In order to continue on to the next semester and each sequential level, it is recommended that the student have at least a “C” average and the approval of the instructor. The prospective language student should avoid making a choice on preconceived notions of difficulty. Instead, students should consider personal interests, ambitions, and future career plans.
STUDENT INTEREST
If a student is interested in taking one particular language, for whatever reason, this choice probably is the best language to pursue. Students who are made to take a language other than their “preferred” language tend to do less well in the language chosen for them.
CAREER PLANS
Both languages are good for the global economy in which we live. For example, Germany and Mexico rank among the top importers of American goods and services. Banking and telecommunications companies are likely to expect prospective employees to understand international affairs. Investment banking and agricultural enterprises often indicate an interest in second-language abilities.
German is important in engineering, science, art, medicine, and business.
Spanish is also important for working as a doctor/nurse, bank teller, firefighter, policeman, social worker, factory worker, international business, and tourism.
CULTURAL HERITAGE
Many students choose a world language based on their ethnic background. Students who live in homes where Spanish or German is spoken, or whose grandparents or other relatives speak another language, should certainly consider studying that language. It must be noted that simply being able to speak or understand Spanish or German does not necessarily mean that one is able to read or write the language.
WORLD TRAVEL
Of course, travel to German- and Spanish-speaking countries is greatly facilitated by knowing the respective languages of these countries. Students have the opportunity to travel to Germany as part of the exchange program. Spanish students have the opportunity to travel to Costa Rica after completion of Spanish 3. Students enrolled in Spanish 1–5 who are also in good academic standing are eligible to travel with GHS to Spain during spring break.
BENEFITS OF LANGUAGE STUDY
Research findings on the learning benefits of language study have shown that SAT scores are higher for those students studying a world language. Learning a world language actually helps a student understand the English language even more by increasing English vocabulary, contextual and structural cues, and comprehension skills.
The advanced courses (levels 3, 4, and 5) are particularly appropriate for those students who wish to pursue world language studies at the college level.
Retroactive credits: Upon successful completion of a placement test and one additional semester of language study in college, students may be awarded up to 16 retroactive college credits from those colleges and universities granting such credit.
Opportunities for travel abroad are often available to world language students.
Increase post-secondary job opportunities.