Tufts Blogs

If you are anything like I was, you might have seen the language requirement for undergraduate arts and science students at Tufts and felt a little overwhelmed. I took Spanish during high school but never treated it as seriously as I should have and I was worried about how I would perform while continuing the language at Tufts. I wanted to use the opportunity of college to take a language that was not offered at my high school and one that I might not have the chance to take again. Yet, the prospect of starting an entirely new language was daunting. Nonetheless, when it was time to pick courses the summer before my freshman year at Tufts, I made the bold decision to take Russian language.

I had no prior exposure to the language except for the week I spent on Duolingo before the start of the semester. I was excited, albeit nervous, to embark on this new and challenging experience during my freshman year. Now, as a junior looking back on it, I realize that this decision may have been the single most impactful one I made during my time at Tufts.  

First, I really enjoy learning Russian! The professors in the department are incredibly knowledgeable and eager to help you succeed. They frequently host events outside of class to practice speaking the language and to learn about the culture of the region. And there are plentiful opportunities to learn from students who have greater language proficiency than you.

Secondly, taking Russian influenced my choice of major. I was interested in studying International Relations before entering Tufts, but I was concerned about the additional language requirement for the major. However, after thoroughly enjoying my first semester learning Russian I decided to continue it every semester which would also enable me to major in International Relations. The next year I even decided to pick up a double major in Russia & East European Studies as well.

Finally, and most importantly, the language introduced me to some of my closest friends at Tufts. Language courses are typically smaller than a traditional lecture course, and you will often be with the same group of people for multiple semesters or even years. I have taken Russian with the same core group of people since my freshman year and naturally friendships have blossomed because of it. Many of my classmates also major in similar fields of study, so I often have multiple courses with them per semester. I even decided to live in the Russian/Slavic and Central Asian Culture House this year to sharpen my skills and to play a part in organizing cultural events. No matter what else is going on in my life, I know that I will always have my second family in my Russian class at Tufts.

I close with this, take any and every opportunity at Tufts that comes your way. Whether it be a new language, a difficult course, a new passion project, an interesting club, or a new friend. You never know what might arise from it!