<p>I was just looking at the course list on InsideND, and it was showing that a lot of the level one courses for languages are already filled up. Is it really hard to start a language such as Arabic freshman year, or am I missing something?</p>
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<p>I doubt you will have much trouble starting a new language, especially if you contact your advisor and let them know how much you are interested. The major languages, such as Spanish, Italian, and French, have dozens of sections, so they'll find you a spot. </p>
<p>Smaller languages, like Portuguese, Irish, and Arabic are not exactly in high demand, and are usually pretty ridiculously small (I'm registered for Irish 1 - 8 spots maximum, but only 4 were taken), and they most likely won't have a problem extending the max by a spot or two if you are really emphatic. Also, there is a language requirement in the college of Arts and Letters, in which you have to "demonstrate proficiency at the intermediate level," or, more simply, take at least 3 classes in one language. So they'll make sure you get something, and will probably be more than excited that someone wants to take something as new, upcoming, and politically relevant as Arabic. I bet they'd bend over backwards to get you in. </p>
<p>And, even if you don't get the classes you asked for (I didn't my first semester freshman year), you'll probably end up liking the classes they give you, and they certainly won't do anything to set you behind. </p>
<p>Sorry for my ramblings. I'm a language guy (English Major, Spanish Supplementary Major, Irish Studies Minor), so this sort of stuff get's me excited. If you have any questions, let me know, I'll see if I can help.</p>
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<p>Thank you very much, that was exactly what I was hoping to hear.</p>
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<p>I know in Irish and possibly other languages, they reserve spots for Freshmen only. I believe they hold off about 12 spots for freshman interested in taking Irish 1 first semester, and I also noticed that there are 14 spots still available in First Year Arabic. Most languages you will be able to get into when you want, maybe just not the exact teachers you'd prefer though.</p>
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<p>Thanks for the info! I think I want to take Irish so it's nice to know I have a good chance at getting a spot even though the classes are so tiny.</p>
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<p>wait, you say spots have filled up... freshman can't register for classes yet right? when can other classes start registering?</p>
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<p>We registered around Easter. After first semester freshman year, you'll register on your own, but for your first semester, your advisors take care of it, making sure everything fits and you get more or less what you want.</p>
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