Learn a new language

Learning a language is a great asset for your CV and can open you up to exploring other countries and cultures. Or perhaps you want to take your language skills to the next level?

Most universities will have some provision for students to learn a language, either as part of their degree course or as an extracurricular activity. This is yet another opportunity to meet new people from across the world, as you get to share in your learning of a new language or go further in your language studies. You will increase your communication skills, further enhancing skills for success after your degree.

Don’t worry if you want to learn a new language and are nervous, many others will be in the same situation as you! So why not go along and give it a try?

Some of the benefits are outlined below by a previous student at the University of York, who studied a German Languages for All (LFA) course alongside her studies:

I loved meeting new people at my LFA classes and having something to focus on outside of my degree. The LFA sessions were at convenient times on campus, and we learned about cultural aspects as well as “practical” language skills. I would encourage anyone to go for it, even if it’s a totally new language!” – Katie, Education

At the University of York, our Languages for All are open to everyone, and there is also an option to embed your language learning into your degree as a 20-credit module. These small classes offer the opportunity to learn alongside other students as well as staff or members of the public, further expanding your learning community.

There are a range of languages on offer: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Latin, Russian and Spanish. And you can study any of these at different levels, gaining a certificate if you complete and take an exam.

You can find out more on our Languages for All webpage.

Over to you

• What language would you like to study if you had the opportunity?
• Do you have any previous experience in learning a language?