Language is the chief mode of communication and a good knowledge of a foreign language can open a gateway to a wide range of career options. The requirement of experts in a foreign language is increasing by the day. It opens avenues in various sectors such as tourism, embassies, interpreters and translators for multinational companies and government organisations, public relations to name a few. Keeping up with the demand, universities in Ranchi are also offering courses in range of foreign languages among others.
At Amity University Ranchi, foreign language as a subject is a part of all courses and is mandatory for all the students. Presently the varsity teaches French language which is embedded in all the programmes across all the semesters. The level of difficulty also varies depending on the semester.
“The main objective of introducing a foreign language as a subject is that University Grants Commission (UGC) also stresses upon teaching a third language in all institutions. By learning a third language, students overcome the biggest hurdle when studying or working abroad. The basic idea is that students should be able to read, write and communicate well in the language. Students too have shown a very positive response towards this subject,” said Dr. Sapan Kumar Gupta, Assistant Professor, Amity University Ranchi.
The Central University of Jharkhand (CUJ) offers an integrated masters’ for five years which includes three years of graduation and two years of post- graduation in three languages- Chinese, Korean and Tibetan. For admission aspirants need a minimum of 50 percent marks in class 12 boards from any stream and have to appear for an entrance exam as well.
“Among foreign languages, presently Chinese is the most popular language. CUJ offers 40 seats for each of the courses. Students who clear the entrance exam have to go through a counseling process at the university,” said Sushant Kumar, Assistant Professor, CUJ.
Ranchi University (RU) is also starting a course in foreign languages from the session 2019-21. The varsity will be offering a six month certificate course, one year diploma course and a two year advanced diploma course in three languages- Japanese, German and French in the first phase. The admission procedure will include an entrance test and will be done on first come first serve basis.
“The regulations for the language courses have been made and approved by the academic council. To start with RU will have 30 seats in each language. Two language labs are also ready which will be used for these courses,” said AK Choudhary, Coordinator Vocational Studies, RU.
“Speaking a foreign language opens a myriad of career options like tutors, trainers in corporate houses with international based business, tour guides with the big tourism companies and airlines to learn off beat languages like Chinese, Japanese and Spanish because the business with these countries has increased,” Damini Jain Modi, senior counselor IDream Career, Ranchi.
Not just colleges and universities, schools with International and Cambridge boards are also providing various options for foreign languages from standard sixth onwards since students are more inclined about going abroad for under graduation.
