College bound students need to explore foreign languages if they want to be fully prepared for University life. Most colleges require 2-3 years of foreign languages to apply. However, South Dakota schools of higher learning don’t have this requirement.

According to French teacher Staci Haag, studying a foreign language helps students in the field of business and with English grammar. It also allows students to feel comfortable speaking in front of others.

Dakota Valley has offered French and Spanish classes since the 1980’s, because Spanish is a prevalent language and many French people settled in this area years ago. The school has 4 sections of Spanish and 2 sections of French. The reason there aren’t more sections of French and that there aren’t more languages taught is that there’s isn’t enough staff available.

“We offer two foreign languages due to the size of our school, student interest and staffing needs for all subjects.  We are fortunate to have two, other schools in our conference typically offer Spanish by itself as the foreign language for students,” said Principal Jerry Rasmussen.

Not only is learning the varieties of foreign languages good for students’ futures, but it’s good for them personally.

“I definitely believe [learning a language] really changes us and broadens our intelligence. Students are able to connect with other cultures around them as well,” said Spanish instructor Vanessa Gascon.

Students find taking language classes convenient and interesting.

“I find [a foreign language] is challenging and fun to learn about people from other countries and how they live and speak,” said French student Erin Olson.

Plans for adding a German class has been discussed.