Japanese

Student Voices

"Studying any foreign language requires one's interest, hard work and patience. Japanese is no exception. The difference between Japanese and other common modern languages is that as one progresses, Japanese becomes increasingly difficult and tends to wear down and dishearten many students, myself included. Fortunately, Carthage provides small class sizes with personable professors giving the students a more direct and effective curriculum. Native Japanese tutors are also available for help and/or to provide extra practice outside the classroom.

"Carthage also offers various extracurricular activities such as Japanese Club, language table, and occasional trips to help, further inspire, and simply have fun with the Japanese language and culture.

— Ryan Pouros

"Do not give up. Japanese may be difficult at times, but it is really a great language to learn and it's lots of fun. I feel Japanese also grows easier as long as you're motivated to study and learn." Read more.

— Kirsten Keto, '11

"The Japanese language program was one of the deciding factors for me when choosing Carthage, in addition to the Asian Studies program. All of my "senseis" (Japanese professors) brought the culture and the Japanese language to the classroom in a very enjoyable and engaging way. Even though I have not been to Japan yet, I feel like I was able to experience a little of it during my Japanese classes at Carthage."

— Kristin Kapitan

"Studying Japanese is great! I started Japanese at Carthage and it's been so much more enjoyable. I love video games and anime and now I get to watch the original editions. Sure, I've struggled a little, but I can blame myself for not studying enough. Every Japanese teacher is so incredibly nice that it's hard to get discouraged.

I'm in my third year now. I like to watch anime (in Japanese without subtitles) and see how much I can understand. It's always so fun when knowledge from the classroom helps in real life. Sometimes I meet a Japanese person and I try talking to them; I may not be fluent, but I can certainly impress my English-speaking friends!

In addition to actual class, there's also a Japanese Club that meets weekly and there's "Japanese lunch table" once or twice a week, where Japanese students and teachers eat lunch together and practice their speaking skills.

Overall, I'd say it's a great program. If you have any interest in Japanese, Carthage is a good place to study. If you don't have any interest, watch some great anime and see if it changes your mind."

— Jimmy Trevor

Student Voices

Chinese

Jessica Fisher, '13

"I knew that if I knew Chinese, I would have a better chance of getting jobs because it is such a worldwide language."
Read more ...

Vanessa Valentine, '13

"The biggest surprise to me is how much I have learned — not only academically, but also personally. I am a better person now than I was two years ago."
Read more ...

John Gutt-Jankowski, '14

By studying both Chinese and Spanish, John said that when he graduates, he will have learned three of the most important languages in the world.
Read more ...

Valerie Hathaway, '13

"The Chinese program is filled with professors who enjoy teaching their students the language."
Read more ...

French

Jesse Daniel, '12

"I never realized how many doors are opened through studying abroad. Living in another culture, you become part of it, and are no longer a tourist."
Read more ...

Emily Kolesar, '12

By studying both French and English, Emily has been able to mature as a writer.
Read more ...

Diane Hahn, '14

"The Modern Language Department truly has made my learning experience an enjoyable one, and I can't image going to any other college because I'm afraid I'll be disappointed in this aspect."
Read more ...

German

Anna Treudt, '13

"Both in German and archaeology the willingness to learn is what separates you from the others. That might sound uninteresting and a little daunting, but when you find something you like, you enjoy it."
Read more ...

Karin Wirth, '13

Karin Wirth was raised with a rich German Heritage, which led to her love of the language. She is also a DAAD scholarship winner and a tutor for the Modern Languages department.
Read more ...

David Rosenberg, '12

"The openness of the professors and their willingness to help struggling students" are among the Modern Language Department's biggest strengths.
Read more ...

Ronald Harris, '12

Ronald is pursuing a minor in German, after studying the language since kindergarten.
Read more ...

Japanese

Jennifer Weiss, '14

"Our businesses are becoming more global by the day, and Japan is one of the top countries America does business with. I want to be as prepared as possible when it comes to doing business with Japan."
Read more ...

Spanish

Elizabeth Reinhardt, '12

"It's difficult to really learn a language if you don't actually use it. Studying abroad is the only way to really immerse yourself in it entirely."
Read more ...

Andrea Winbigler, '13

"Carthage really became my second home and all the people here have become my second family."
Read more ...

Samantha Jasinski, '13

"Traveling is my passion in life, and with this school I got the opportunity to not only travel once in college, but multiple times without falling behind in any of my classes."
Read more ...

Read student voices from graduated students.