If you’re a UF student, there’s a good chance that you are in the College of Liberals Arts and Sciences, lovingly referred to as CLAS. With majors ranging from History to Biology, the CLAS student body is very diverse, but there is one thing we all have in common. Yes, I’m talking about the foreign language requirement. Unless you’ve passed an AP or IB test, you have to take foreign language classes at UF. I took Spanish in high school, but when I took the beginning Spanish classes at UF, I realized I was very behind. I believe the reason for this is my lack of practice. In high school, I never spoke Spanish outside the classroom. How was I going to remember anything without ever having to apply it? An article from TEDBlog recommends making “language-learning a lifestyle change”. Consistent practice will make a foreign language seem, well, less foreign.
I’m sure you’re aware that knowing a second language is a huge plus on your resume. It’s a great way to distinguish yourself from others, be a more competitive applicant and allow you to apply for opportunities outside the English-speaking world. The benefits of knowing a second language go beyond just the job market. You can connect with people and cultures that you couldn’t with a language barrier. With that in mind, why would we want to get anything less than the most out of our foreign language requirement? If you’re struggling to find places to practice your skills, here’s a few options to check out!
UF student organizations
One of my favorite parts about UF is the abundance of student organizations we have. On the Office of Student Affairs website there are 899 listed organizations. That’s amazing! There’s the French club: le cercle francis, Italian Student Organization, Lebanese American society and so much more. I’d bet that for any language class you might be taking at UF, there’s a club for it. Even if the org isn’t specifically for language and culture, there are ways to get language experience from other clubs. During my sophomore year of college, I was involved in a great group called Navigators. Navigators connect international students with UF students during their time in Florida. With opportunities like these, you get a chance to learn a foreign language while making a friend. What’s better than that? If you’re trying to learn Spanish like I am, try checking out the Hispanic Student Association. Even if you’re not Hispanic, it’s a great way to meet some Spanish-speakers and work with fellow Gators on events and projects relating to the Hispanic-Latino culture. The HSA has 13 organizations it oversees so there’s something for everyone. If that doesn’t suit your fancy, there’s the UF Foreign Language Organization where facilitators (native speakers) are paired with learners. To learn more about student organizations that can help with second language acquisition, check out Gator Connect through the Office of Student Affairs.
Programs through UF
In addition to student-run organizations, UF offers many opportunities for practice. For Spanish, there is “la mesa de espanól” that meets once a week in the Turlington Language Lab. At these events, students can talk with other students (in Spanish, of course). The participants are primarily students enrolled in spanish courses, so you’ll find others that are on your level and can discuss themes or ideas that are presented in the courses. Ask your professors about opportunities like this one for the language you are learning.
Who doesn’t love to travel? Studying abroad is the perfect way to practice your language skills. When you can’t use English to communicate, you’re somewhat forced to use the native language. Doing activities from the textbook and quizzes are great, but many people believe that you don’t truly learn a language until you’re immersed in it. UF LLC (Language Literatures and Cultures) has a great list of study abroad programs based on language learning. You can find it here.
Have you heard of the English Language Institute at UF? If you’re looking for a place to practice outside the classroom, this is the place. I know what you’re thinking, “I already speak English, why would I practice another language at the English Language Institute?” Good question! Students from all around the world come to UF to learn English. That gives you a large group of students that speak languages other than English, and a few of them probably speak whatever language you’re trying to learn. You can connect with these students by being an ELI conversation partner. As a conversation partner, you are paired with an ELI student and meet once a week to help them with English, but conversely, they could help you with your second language! The ELI is a great resource on campus for both non-native and native speakers of English.
Off-campus opportunities
To practice your speaking skills, the best thing to do is to get out there and speak. If you’re at a restaurant where you know the waiters speak the language you’re trying to learn, try ordering in that language! It can be scary to use another language outside the safety of a classroom, but it’s the only way to learn. If you want to stay in bed (because who doesn’t?) try watching TV shows and movies in the language. With everything being available to stream, you’re likely to find a show that’ll help expose you to the language, and who knows, it may be a new favorite! You could even change the language settings on your computer and cell phone, but just make sure you know how to change it back! Similar to UF’s ELI, the Alachua County Library District offers ESOL classes to adults. You could help the learners out while they help you. Little changes in your everyday routine can help a lot. I’ve begun to translate everything in my head. When I read something, or say something in English, I ask myself “How would this look or sound like in Spanish?” It’s really helped me practice Spanish outside the classroom in a low-pressure way.
There are so many benefits to learning a second language, and luckily, there are many opportunities to practice outside of class! Good luck (¡Buena suerte!) with your foreign language classes!