Most states require public high schools to teach foreign language classes, such as California. In many states, students must pass one to three years of foreign language to graduate high school. However, the requirement allows students to receive free instruction in a foreign language, usually of their choice. High schools even offer international studies programs to help students take their foreign language skills overseas, such as the Center of International Studies at Dr. Phillips High School in Orlando, Florida. This program allows students to learn three years of foreign language and go on trips to partner schools in Japan, Europe and South America to study further.
Students who want to major or minor in a foreign language find that universities offer degrees all the way to a doctorate level. Foreign language professors often go through years of schooling to teach students at the college level. They possess knowledge of culture and language. Collegiate foreign language courses tend to focus more on speaking and writing fluently. Students who go on to advanced courses interpret foreign literature and films.
In addition to courses, international universities provide study abroad programs to students wishing to learn a foreign language in its home origin. The Association of American International Colleges and Universities lists schools throughout Europe, Africa and Eastern Europe. Universities also have study abroad programs that enrolled students take advantage of during summer break or winter break. Students interested in studying at a foreign language learning school must have a passport and speak to advisors about a program in the home country of the language. Often, longer study abroad programs are available to students.
Online foreign language learning schools offer convenience and comfort to those wishing to learn a new tongue at home. An accredited university tends to have the best portal to online foreign language courses. New York University offers online courses in foreign languages, translation and interpreting. Free foreign language learning courses are also available through BBC Languages, MIT OpenCourseWare, Carnegie Mellon University, Open University and Utah State University.