Frequently Asked Questions about the Language Requirement at Bethel University

How much language do I need to take in order to complete the language requirement?
Students must reach a level called “Novice-high” on the rating scale of the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).  This level is usually reached at the end of two semesters of language study at the college level.

Does everybody have to take the placement test?
No, only those students who have studied in high school the language they wish to take at Bethel must take the placement test.  Those who have never had the language of choice in high school must fill out a request form in order to register for FRE101, GER101, and SPA101. 101 Request Form and  Placement Test

How do I find out my results for the Placement Test?
Your score will be communicated via email, and your placement level will be given directly to the registrar who will enroll you in the appropriate class.

What is the placement exam like?
It is multiple-choice and focuses mostly on grammar and reading. A link may be found at Placement Test.

How can I test out of the language requirement?

You may fulfill Bethel University's language requirement by earning a satisfactory score on an language AP exam or language CLEP test.

http://www.collegeboard.com/student/testing/clep/about.html

I took 2 semesters of a foreign language through the PSEO program.  Do I still need to take more language in order to fill the requirement?
If you received the equivalent of one year of college credit, you have fulfilled Bethel’s language requirement. If you were a PSEO student at Bethel, your language class will already be on your transcript.  If you were a PSEO student at another college or university, you will need to be sure your transcripts are sent to Bethel.

What if I grew up speaking a second language in my home or in a foreign culture where I spent a lot of time while I was growing up?
Email the Modern World Language Department at language-testing@bethel.edu.  We will request specific information from you that we need in order to evaluate your level of language proficiency. 

If I transfer in language credits from another college, do I still need to take more courses in order to fill the requirement?
If you have received credit for the second semester of language study at another college, you have fulfilled Bethel’s language requirement and do not need to take more courses for the requirement, although we do hope you continue your language study.

How do I know which language class and section I should take?
Based on the number of years of language you took in high school and your score on the placement exam, you will be placed by the registrar in the appropriate class.  For January (interim) and spring semester, you will work with your advisor to schedule your classes.  Again, the number of years of language taken in high school and your score on the placement exam will determine the best language class for you.

I took Spanish in high school but now I want to start another language.  Is that a good idea?
It’s a great idea to start another language.

What languages are offered at Bethel University?
Bethel offers Biblical Greek, Biblical Hebrew, ASL, French, German, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and Spanish.

What are the classes like?
We teach the classes in the language of study (target language) using a variety of activities.  The focus of class-time is on communicating with one another in the target language.

What if I have a hard time learning languages?  Is there extra help available?
Yes, there is.  The Language Resource Center in the Modern World Languages Department is open in the evenings where advanced language students are available for tutoring or practicing conversational skills.