Merhaba Peeps,

I hope someone is still there (I’ve been gone too long, I’m SORRY). I was gone two weeks on a Mediterranean cruise with my mom, as an early graduation gift. I did try posting twice but it really wasn’t working (or cost-effective for that matter, oops). I’m back in Rome for the time being and I’m going to explore the eternal city once again and maybe even for the last time in my life (hopefully not).

I just wanted to share with you how important it is to speak more than one language, I cannot stress it enough how it will come in handy all throughout your life. OK, so from what I’ve gathered Americans assume everyone speaks English (not everyone obvs) , and I heard that the English do that too (eeerghh that annoying buzz sound in game shows). Through my travels in Turkey, Greece and Italy I discovered that even if English is the main international business language, the best baklava seller in Turkey might not care about that fact (oh how yummy it was). I also noticed that some people are predisposed to you as a customer and a human being, as soon as you just slap a HI or Thank You without even trying their native tongue (Efharisto: thanks in Greek). I also found Hard Rock Cafe in Istanbul (newly opened, known by a handful of people) on a pure coincidence because the girl sitting next to me turned out to speak Spanish and work at HR in one of the most prominent hotels of the area and took us on a tour because she wanted to practice her Spanish (kid you NOT). Anyways, you get the gist of it, language was not meant to be a barrier, do not let it scare you. It is the gateway to understanding other cultures, other countries, other ways of thinking. Besides, eavesdropping in four different languages can be quite fun (especially when they are talking about you, unkindly) and you respond… followed by a jaw drop!

So when you are questioning the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures and why FIT requires two language courses think of all my stories and all the stories you could have. Think about all the doors it will open for you and all the resumes your resume will crush (Languages: English, (Fill in the blank). These classes were designed to make you thrive in an ever-changing global environment. If you feel they are too intimidating you can wait until your Bachelors (that is when they are required), and if not you can start in your Associates and maybe even minor in a Foreign Language. FIT offers: French, Italian, Japanese, Mandarin and Spanish. If English is not your main language we also offer ESL programs throughout the year. Oh and don’t fret,  it is very interactive because we have a state-of-the-art Foreign Language Multimedia Center!

A presto,

Sadie

(I promise not to ever leave for so long again. I missed you all, I mean that is hoping someone reads me haha)