Why study languages at university?

Many students and parents wonder why they have to study a language for 3 or 4 years to get a degree when they only need to study for a short time and then take the IELTS, TOEIC, B1, B2 certificates, etc. and you are confident that you really master the language. This article will point out the benefits that you cannot get at language centers but can only be achieved in a language major at university.

Have in-depth knowledge in your chosen field

If you decide to learn a foreign language to use as a tool to support your main job, studying at a center and passing the exam can completely meet your goals. However, if your goal is to live and work professionally in the foreign language field such as being a language teacher, translator or interpreter, etc., studying at university is a must.

Let's not talk about degrees, knowledge is what we want to talk about in this aspect. When studying at university, you will learn the really necessary knowledge related to the language you are studying. Besides practicing Listening - Speaking - Reading - Writing skills like studying at centers, you also have the opportunity to study subjects such as language theory, phonetics or vocabulary, semantic fields, applied meanings, ... you also learn about the culture and people of the country that uses that language. This knowledge is especially necessary for you to know the basis of the target language, know how to analyze appropriately when creating sentences or splitting sentences when translating, know how to choose appropriate vocabulary, structure, and style in each communication situation ...

Learn how to think and solve problems

At university, you are not only provided with general knowledge or specialized knowledge, you are also taught problem-solving thinking methods. This thinking method helps you to self-study, self-train and equip yourself with the necessary updated knowledge throughout your life.

In college, the lecturer is the one who poses the problem, and the students are the ones who solve the problem with the help of the lecturer to find the most effective and comprehensive solution. Through those exercises and projects, students will learn how to think to solve problems.

Practice many skills

To be successful in work and life, in addition to knowledge, you also need many other important skills. During your university studies, the school will equip you with these skills through soft skills courses as well as the process of implementing projects, working in groups or participating in clubs.

Soft skills help you integrate with friends and teachers, choose the right learning method for yourself, know how to set goals and make plans, know how to manage time, know how to balance life and make your life more meaningful, more joyful and happier.

Dai Nam University students are trained in soft skills from their first year through the Basic Soft Skills and Advanced Soft Skills training programs.

Have more relationships

Many people consider their student life to be the best time of their lives because at university they have the opportunity to meet people with the same ideals and passions.

In addition, extracurricular activities such as participating in clubs, volunteer organizations, internships, and interacting with students from other schools will also help you expand your relationships. These relationships will be useful for you in your future work, career, and life.

Increase career opportunities

Many people say that in reality, people need more ability than degree, but without a degree, you have to work very hard, for a long time, then others can see your ability, trust you to give you work. On the contrary, a university degree is like a proof that ensures that you have the necessary knowledge and skills to meet the requirements of the job. You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your ability and be recognized by those around you.

In conclusion, college is not the only path to success, but it can be the surest path. After considering all the benefits above, you will be sure that the path you have chosen is the right one and will be determined to follow it diligently and persistently to achieve success in life.

MSc. Nguyen Thi Nhien

Faculty of English Language - Dai Nam University