Have you decided to study Literature? Are you willing to take that challenge to the next level? How about combining your Literature studies with foreign languages? Foreign language and Literature studies have always been popular.
This combination works because to understand a specific piece of literature, you need to know the language it was written in. It’s not just about the language. You can always read translated works, right? When you know the language, however, you also understand the culture. You get the subtle hints that only locals understand. Reading Dostoevsky in Russian and reading Dostoevsky in English is not the same thing, is it?
Now, the question is: where should you get these studies?
Where are the best programs? Can you study abroad? That would be the perfect opportunity for you to master the language, get high-quality studies, and gain traveling experience at the same time.
We will list the top ten destinations to study Foreign languages and Literature abroad.
- Santiago, Chile
Chile was the home of Pablo Neruda, one of the best poets the world has ever seen. Poetry lovers from all around the world come here to witness the culture that inspired such passionate poetry. Pablo Neruda studied French at the Universidad de Chile in Santiago. The studies of Literature and Linguistics are pretty attractive for international students.
- Cambridge, England
Is there are better place to study English literature than the Cambridge University? There’s something even more interesting: the Faculty of Modern and Medieval languages. This is your opportunity to study from award-winning lecturers at a leading university. The university offers international summer programs you can attend if you’re not interested in full-time studies at Cambridge.
- Florence, Italy
How about studying in one of the most romantic cities in the world? Here, you’ll get a chance to embrace the authentic Italian culture and learn the language, too. CET Academic Programs gives students from all universities around the world an opportunity to study in Italy. There’s no language prerequisite. You’ll take Italian and you’ll practice with a local language partner. Will you be ready to read and understand Dante Alighieri in Italian? Who knows? Put in the effort!
- Melbourne, Australia
Melbourne is the most cosmopolitan city in Australia. Cathy Roberts, a academic writer for Best Essays, can’t recommend it enough: “It’s where I got my degree in Classics. This city is fun and vibrant, but the university also gives you world-class education. It’s everything an international student could wish for.”
Fun fact: Melbourne is home to the epic State Library of Victoria. If you love reading, you’ll see this place as heaven.
- Berlin, Germany
How about German language and literature? If you have never spoken German before, the language may be a bit of a challenge. That is what makes the studies more exciting. As for the literature, you will have extraordinary pieces to explore and you will cover many periods and genres. If we tried to describe German literature with one word, this would be it: Goethe. Enough, right?
- Tokyo, Japan
Tokyo is not only the most vibrant place on Earth. It is also a cultural center. International students can take classes at the national universities that provide English-language education. You will have access to dreamy libraries and world-class professors.
- Madrid, Spain
Spanish people are lively. That is exactly what the language is like, too. If you decide to take language studies in Madrid, you will have tons of academic and housing options, as well as extracurricular activities to engage in. Making Madrid your classroom? That is the easiest thing, ever. You will be learning with every step you take.
- Prague, Czech Republic
How about reading Milan Kundera in his native language? Franz Kafka was also born in Prague. Although he wrote in German, you can feel the influence of this culture throughout his work. The Prague Writers’ Festival is a big thing in the world of literature. You can meet famous writers from all over the world if you decide to study in Prague.
- Moscow, Russia
Just like any other piece of literature, Russian novels lose part of their charm when being translated. You will feel the full power of Tolstoy, Dostoevsky, Pushkin, and other great authors when you learn the language and understand this culture. If you spend a semester or two in Moscow or St. Petersburg, you will start perceiving this literature from a different point of view. You will see the same streets and gestures these authors loved describing.
- Aix en Provence, France
Aix en Provence is a graceful town that is home to thousands of international students. You can take an intensive French language course, but you can also pick a program focused on the language, literature, and culture.
Of course, the place you choose depends on the language you want to learn and the literature you want to explore. If you knew you wanted to study foreign languages and literature but you didn’t have a precise idea, this list will definitely help. What is the most attractive destination to your preferences?
About the author:
Karen Dikson is a tech-savvy teacher and blogger from New Jersey. Her works have been published on HuffPost and other well-known resources. She enjoys helping her students achieve their most ambitious goals. Connect with Karen on Twitter.
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