Foreign Language

Because language is a direct reflection of thought, there is no better tool for understanding different cultures' perspectives on the world than the study of foreign languages. To learn a culture’s history or art or traditions is secondhand knowledge; to learn its language is the first step to true understanding, and it is a sign of multicultural respect. In an increasingly interconnected world, competency in a foreign language molds students into informed participants in the international communit—and highly prized employees.

What Will They Learn?TM gives schools credit for Foreign Language if they require ompetency at the intermediate level, defined as at least three semesters of college-level study in any foreign language. No distinction is made between B.A. and B.S. degrees, or individual majors within these degrees, when applying the Foreign Language criteria. Credit is also awarded to schools that require two semesters of college-level study in two different languages.

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What Will They Learn?TM provides unique information on whether colleges make sure their students learn the things they need to know. You can find what they expect their graduates to study outside their majors, how much they are charging, how many of their students graduate, and what the colleges say about the education they offer. You can find out which ones follow the best practice of using a standardized assessment to measure student learning gains in core collegiate skills. There are more than 1,000 institutions currently covered, and we'll be updating continuously.

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