Choosing to add the International Affairs major has been an incredible choice. I advocate heavily for it in front of everyone I meet. Through this experience, I have learned that what seems to be stopping most students from adding it is the 4th term language requirement. The word “international” is applied literally in this sense, and students of the major must complete 4 semesters of a foreign language of their choice or possess the equivalent credits/ proficiency to be eligible for graduation. Language-learning is an incredibly demanding pursuit, so it makes sense that students could be averted from the major because of it. I have personally benefited greatly from the language classes I have taken at UGA, so I want to share some of the general assets and soft skills I acquired through my courses to maybe convince you to add it too.
Firstly, it has been amazing for my memory. To increasingly acquire vocabulary in a foreign language, you must commit certain words to memory and continuously revisit them. This exercise “stretched” my brain and maybe even more importantly taught me the power of unconventional memorization techniques and pneumonic devices. I have begun learning most concepts through association, and this has even applied to my general coursework. Now, I connect the content from all my classes naturally. Additionally, language courses at UGA all have a cultural aspect, so you are not learning language in a vacuum but rather immersed in another country’s culture. This directly ties to everything the International Affairs major is trying to teach you which is to earn a globalized perspective. And last but certainly not least, I have grown more eloquent! The beginning stages of language-learning force you to grapple with limited vocabulary which turns you into a more competent speaker. You learn to be resourceful in your speech and look for alternative ways to express ideas. These behaviors seep into everyday life and affect you even in your native tongue.
I also have an honorable mention to “courage.” Language requires practice and forces you to speak in front of others with higher proficiency to learn. This is great for dispelling the worries behind public speaking and making mistakes. In the case that you are willing to go even further in your language learning journey, certain languages such as French offer specialized higher-level classes focusing on professional language for international affairs. Now, I encourage you to look at the rest of the amazing classes you can take within the International Affairs major and pull the trigger!
Author
Flora Mendoza
B.A. Political Science; B.A. International Affairs; French Minor; Certificate in Data Analytics in Public Policy | Class of 2028
