Making the Language Requirement Work for You

Coming into the College and seeing a variety of graduation requirements, needing to take language classes can feel like just another thing to check off the list. Though I really enjoyed learning languages in high school, I was intimidated by the fact that one of my courses would have to be taken up by a language. I wish I could go back and tell my freshman self that I’m now well past the language requirement, going for a language certificate in Hebrew voluntarily and considering the possibility of starting introductory Arabic classes. Taking a language isn’t one

set path. Many people with transfer credit, AP credit, or native proficiency can test out of the requirement entirely or place into a high level. Many people who have high school language experience or some level of proficiency choose to pursue this option, and can use the extra room in their schedule to pursue whatever interests them the most. If a student who tests out of a language is still interested in continuing their studies of that language in more depth, they can take advanced literature in culture classes in the well over 50 language classes offered at Penn. I personally think these are some of the best classes offered in the College, as they are usually small, experiential, and can allow students to pursue travel opportunities. Students that achieve proficiency in a language should look into the many abroad and global research language immersion opportunities that Penn offers. If a student wants to take a language not previously offered at Penn, they can work with the Language Center to find someone to teach that language. Penn Language Center also has a free peer-tutoring program to help Penn students in their language classes. Penn has so many resources to guide students through the language requirement in a way that works for them, and learning a language here offers so many opportunities to connect with other cultures and heritages!

- Sami H.