Choosing a World Language at St. Olaf

In choosing a language to study in college, students should consider the following questions and discuss them with their advisor.

  • What language(s) have I already studied?  Where (high school, language village, camp, travel, community ed, etc.).  What are my placement test results? 
    NOTE: It is not required that students continue in the language(s) in which they take a placement test.
  • How far along am I (barely started, intermediate, fluent, etc.  How strong are my skills (listening, reading, speaking, writing, grammar)?
  • Do I enjoy this language?
  • Do I want to continue to a higher level of proficiency in this language?
  • Do I want to try something new in college?
  • Do I want to acquire an additional world language in college, besides what I have already studied in high school?
  • What is my family background?  Do I want to study one of my heritage languages?
  • Does anyone in my family speak another language and would I like to learn that language too?
  • Have I traveled abroad or met someone from another country or otherwise become interested in learning the language and culture of a particular country?
  • Is there some area of the world I would like to visit, and if so, should I study the language spoken there in preparation for travel?
  • What international study programs am I considering?  What language will I need for study abroad?
  • Would I like to learn a less commonly taught language, thus gaining an unusual skill that will make me stand out in a crowd?  (Chinese, Japanese, Norwegian, Russian, or a classical language like Latin or Greek)
  • Am I interested in international business?  If so, might I consider Chinese, Japanese, or Russian?
  • Am I fascinated by the art, literature, culture, or sport of another country?  Should I consider studying the language of that country?
  • Am I interested in the history/culture of western civilization?  Should I consider a classical language (Latin or Greek)?
  • Am I thinking about graduate school?  Medical school?  Seminary?  Should I investigate which language(s) are required/recommended in the area I plan to study?
  • What are my first and second choices for language study?  Why have I chosen them?

 World Languages offered at St. Olaf :