Hello everyone, I'm a high school rising junior and have always had a thing for languages. I'm thinking about making this my major in college. Can anyone suggest, in their opinion, which are the best colleges for language majors? Looking to apply soon, and I'm open to colleges anywhere, as long as they're strong in this field. Appreciate any advice.
There are several excellent colleges where you can pursue your interest in languages.
Middlebury College in Vermont is well-known for its strong language programs. Its 'Summer Language Schools' offer intensive immersion programs in ten languages. The school is renowned for having a commitment towards a 'language pledge' - a contract by which students agree to communicate only in their target language during the program.
Georgetown University in Washington D.C. also has strong language programs, particularly with its School of Foreign Service. This is a good choice if you're interested in applying your language study to a career in international relations.
The University of California, Berkeley boasts wide-ranging language offerings, from commonly taught languages to less commonly taught ones like Kurdish and Khmer. They are particularly known for their strong linguistics program.
Yale University is another great option, known for its Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) program, which allows students to study any language not currently taught in Yale’s regular programs through a self-study model guided by a native-speaking language partner.
University of Wisconsin-Madison is known for its robust Language Institute, which offers majors and certificate programs in more than 30 languages.
Lastly, the University of Chicago's Department of Comparative Literature offers unique opportunities for students interested in the intensive study of several languages at once, comparing literature, film, theory, and artwork across different linguistic traditions.
Remember to thoroughly research these programs and consider other aspects of college fit such as location, size, campus culture, and financial aid offerings before making your decision. That way, you can choose a school that's strong in language offerings and aligns with your other preferences.
CollegeVine’s Q&A seeks to offer informed perspectives on commonly asked admissions questions. Every answer is refined and validated by our team of admissions experts to ensure it resonates with trusted knowledge in the field.