A number of degrees at U.S. colleges and universities have a foreign language requirement. This is especially so in social sciences and business programs, while debate exists at some universities about requiring some foreign language proficiency in other departments as well. Programs that have an international emphasis commonly require a foreign language because employment in international organizations require graduates to have this knowledge. Students can typically choose a foreign language that interests them or one that gives them the greatest marketability in their industry.
Fishman (1999, 2001) categorized languages into groups. Based on this categorization, the first group is called Heritage Languages and is made up of indigenous languages. These languages are excellent choices for students who are studying anthropology, indigenous cultures, plan to work in regions with a high indigenous population or have a personal tie to an indigenous language. The second category is Colonial Languages and includes languages such as Spanish and French. These languages are excellent options for students studying corresponding cultures or literature, planning on working in international organizations or business, studying western history and seeking a globally known language. The third and last category is Immigrant Languages and includes languages as Russian and Chinese. This group of languages is excellent preparation for students studying corresponding cultures, literature and history, as well as students entering the social service or government sector.
Students who study a foreign language in college graduate with many advantages. Their resume is instantly enhances by their foreign language knowledge, making them more marketable in the global workforce. There are plenty of jobs that require foreign language fluency and creating a larger job market for graduates. There are also cognitive benefits among foreign language learners. They often demonstrate an increase in development in basic cognitive functions, have improved critical thinking skills and score higher on standardized tests than their peers.
High school students can increase their competitiveness when applying to colleges and universities by taking a foreign language in high school. The cognitive benefits of studying a foreign language in high school may help improve cognitive abilities for college entrance exams. Entering college with prior foreign language preparation commonly allows college students to receive advanced placement in college level language classes, and often even advanced placement credits. Some colleges may even require applicants to have foreign language skills. It is good to find out what the schools or programs you are interested in will require so you can properly prepare yourself. If you are fortunate to have learned a second language in your home or life experience, you will be ahead of the game.