Nowadays, more and more students start to pursue a degree in modern languages. A modern languages degree is not only related to learning a new language but also understand the cultural context of the countries in which the language is spoken.
Candidates studying a modern languages course will also be given knowledge and experience of the political and historical contexts of a particular region. On top of that, the use of literary texts and media will develop not only their skills but also their perception about learning a different language.
Due to the increased globalisation, there is a high demand for modern languages graduates. The ability to communicate in another language and understand its background is a major advantage.
Modern Language courses are designed to give students transferable skills, which can be applied in all areas of activity. Candidates will have high communication skills, accompanied by data collection and interpreting skills, which are appreciated by employers, regardless of your career choice.
Modern Languages Degrees are four years commitments, out of which one semester or a year should be spent abroad – in a partnered institution. This gives students the opportunity to practice the language they are studying and understand a new culture.
Modern Languages is a degree that can be studied either as a single honour degree or a joint honour degree. This gives students the ability to combine modern language with another course such as politics, literature, history and many others.
I enjoyed my time and was certainly challenged academically at Middlebury – although perhaps not pushed and mentored as much as I could/should have been.
It can feel a bit isolated (Vermont rural life) and you need to really embrace outdoor activities and winter sports to get the most from your time there.
I studied for my BA and MA at Middlebury, including summers in the French and Spanish schools and two years with Middlebury in Paris. Summer on campus is intense and you make a lot of progress – although one could argue the same progress could be made for less financial investment with a summer abroad.
Some of the classes we took at the Uni in Paris were less solid than those on campus, but the experience of study abroad is nevertheless invaluable and I believe improvements have been made.
While I am proud to say Middlebury is my alma mater and I have lifelong friends and great memories, I’m not sure the cost of a Middlebury education is completely justified. While the classes are small, the facilities are great, and most of the professors are top notch, you pay for a lot of bells and whistles beyond pure academics, as at many American colleges of this caliber. It depends what you are looking for in a college experience and what you are prepared to spend.