‘I know it’s a cliché’, a student of Indonesian told us, ‘but it really is true that when you learn a language, a door opens to a whole new world’. Why not explore these new worlds in Australia?
English? French? Japanese? Latin?
Australian institutions pride themselves on the quality and breadth of their language teaching. Apart from the native English language teaching—including English as a second language (ESL) and teaching English as a second language (TESOL) courses—you will be able to find a course of study for almost every language in use today, as well as a few dead ones!
At university, you can study languages within a three-year bachelor degree in arts, languages or Asian studies. You may also find that your international relations, tourism, and business and management course includes language studies. Languages are also a great addition to engineering, law, business or education courses if you wish to pursue an international career.
Many of the students who line up to do a language at university have already made a start at school. However, it is often possible (although not all that easy) to enter this field as a beginner. You might do a special intensive course in first year or over your vacation to catch up.
Vocational education and training (VET) institutions offer even more options. Some certificates, diplomas and advanced diplomas will teach you how to speak, read and write in a different language. Others will develop your skills in translation and interpreting.
There are also plenty of postgraduate courses on offer for graduates. Some graduate certificates and diplomas offer straightforward language, but masters and doctoral degrees usually focus on advanced language study, linguistics and other cultural phenomena, often through research.
Develop skills for your future
You might wonder how learning another language will help you in the future. Remember that, in just about any language course, you will develop skills that can be useful in all kinds of industries, from retail to business to tourism and hospitality.
Skills in languages can present a world of possibilities in both your professional career and personal life.
Use our Search function to find a list of Australian institutions offering qualifications in this field.