Continuing in a Language at Scona
Top 10 Frequently Asked Questions
1. How will a 30-level language course help me get into post-secondary education?
Every faculty (with the exception of Engineering) at every Canadian university allows the use of a language to meet admission requirements. And class averages in second language courses at Strathcona tend to be quite high.
2. Should I take all three sciences to keep my options open? If I do, I don't have room for a language.
There are no undergraduate faculties at any Canadian university which require three sciences for admission.
3. Are there any post-secondary faculties that require a second language for admission?
Most Faculties of Arts programs, such as those at the Universities of Alberta and British Columbia, require students to have a language to graduate. If you don't take a language in high school, you must take it at university.
4. What is a 'bilingual' post-secondary diploma?
There are a number of programs at the U of A, the University of Lethbridge, MacEwan and NAIT which offer students the opportunity to earn a bilingual diploma, where courses are taken in English and another language. All of these programs require French (or Mandarin Chinese for the Asia Pacific Business Degree at MacEwan).
5. Can language courses be used to calculate the Rutherford Scholarship?
Yes. Students can use up to two language courses. The average for Rutherford is based on five courses. One must always be English. Two must be from the core, which include a second language, math, social studies and sciences. And two can be any other course including an additional language.
6. If I can't use my second language to get into engineering, why would I keep studying the language?
Engineers work around the world and with people from all over the world. Being able to speak another language is a value-added quality for engineers and enhances job opportunities.
7. What advantages do passing internationally accredited language exams give me?
The DELF (French), DELE (Spanish) and Sprachdiplom (German) offer students internationally recognized language credentials that allow them to access work and post-secondary study opportunities in Edmonton and around the world (where universities are often much cheaper than in North America, or in some cases free!)
8. Why should I stay in a language AP class?
Please answer me!
9. I'm not sure I want a post-secondary education yet. Why do I need a 30-level language?
Learning another language has many benefits outside of post-secondary studies:
- Statistics show that students studying a second language tend to score higher in other subjects and on standardized tests, including in English and Math.
- The world is growing smaller every year. Your competency in a language could get you a job abroad, regardless of the career you choose to pursue. It also helps you understand and interact with people of different cultures, helping you become a true citizen of the world.
- Competency in another language enhances opportunities in Canada also in such areas as government, business, law, medicine and health care, teaching, technology, the military, communications, industry, social services and marketing, among others.
- Knowing another language makes world travel easier and more accessible.
- It also opens up access to volunteer opportunities around the world.
10. Who do I talk to about timetabling language courses through to a 30-level?
Many people at Strathcona can help you with timetabling.
First, see your language teacher or the department head of International Languages, Mr. Babin.
Then -counsellor
Lastly- assistant principal
We all want to ensure that you benefit from the world of opportunities a 30-level language course opens for you!