<p>I was wondering how difficult intro level classes at Wash U tend to be. I'm not yet entirely sure which one I want to do but I definitely do want to do one! How difficult is it to get an A in a foreign language class? Also, how good is the teaching?</p>
<p>I’m not the best person to answer these questions (I showed up to 1 week of a 300 level class, then dropped it), but I do know that they are very time intensive. This makes sense, as the best way to learn a language is to use it frequently.</p>
<p>The ease of getting an A depends on your dedication as well as your ability to learn new languages 
(Sorry for being Mr. Obvious, but it’s true, haha).</p>
<p>Foreign language classes tend to be intensive. I took Beginning Arabic and some upper level Spanish classes. Intro level classes will have five class hours a week, one speaking lab hour, and possibly additional office hour requirements. You will have 1-2 hours of homework a night. If you keep up with all of this, you should get an A or B. The upper level classes are a lot more reading and writing focused, which some people find challenging. I’ve found that the language classes have helped me to learn quickly. I’m not even done with first year Arabic and I can already have conversations, read the script fluently, and understand large portions of reading passages. </p>
<p>Tl;dr Language classes have high standards but it’s worth it if you’re serious about learning the language.</p>
<p>I’m planning on majoring in the languages, maybe at WashU. dandyofthemoon, is that what you’re thinking about doing? How were the Spanish classes? Would you say the language program as a whole is good and a reason to go to WashU?</p>
<p>@class2k15 - I am not dandyofthemoon, but that post is 3 months old, so who knows if they are still checking this thread. Is the language program at WUSTL a reason to go there? No, probably not. I am not sure there are more than a couple of schools that stand out that much in their language programs, at least at the undergrad level. Is WUSTL an excellent school where you will get a fine, even great undergraduate education in pretty much every language they offer? Absolutely. After all, what you are looking for when you major in a language is, besides making sure they teach that language for all 8 semesters (some schools don’t offer courses for some languages past XYZ III, or 6 semesters), are courses that cover the history of that country or region, its culture, its politics, etc. And good study abroad opportunities to countries that speak that language. WUSTL has all that for many languages.</p>
<p>But once that criteria are satisfied, and many schools will meet that, pick a school based on fit. Is the academic level right for you? Can you afford it? The size of the school and its location. Greek scene match your needs? Sports? These are very relevant since you are living there full time for most of 4 years.</p>
<p>FYI, my D was a China Studies major at another school (WUSTL was her other first choice but the other school gave her full tuition) and she echoes all of this. She adds that for whatever language you are choosing, if you know already, you might want to find out how many people major in it for a typical entering class. It might matter to you if only 10 people pick it as a major in each class as opposed to 50. Or maybe that won’t matter to you, but it is something to think about. Small is good in that you get a lot of attention and practice in class, but that department might also not get a lot of resources and attention from the administration. If Spanish is your choice, this shouldn’t be an issue. It always has a lot of people, I would think.</p>