Homeschoolers - Two Years of Foreign Language Required

Many parents and students are caught up andprogram that contains a foreign language component.
confused by the many requirements and technicalitiesMore than any other subject, foreign language
involved in the college application and admissionrequires constant practice, immediate feedback, and
process. From the FAFSA to letters ofincreased individual attention, especially from a
recommendation, and everything in between, itteacher who is familiar with the subject matter. In
seems there is no end to the obstacles that canthe case of a distance learning school, their teachers
make the college application process such a hassle.and their program in general are able to provide
One of the aspects of applying to college that oftenstudents with an effective approach to learning a
creates problems for applicants and their families isforeign language which will allow them to comply with
the aspect of required coursework. Most colleges,the requirements for admission into a college or
especially those that are particularly competitive,university.
have specific requirements about the classes thatFor one part, a distance learning program, especially
they want their applicants to take. For the most part,one in a foreign language, is taught by a credentialed
parents are familiar with the required number of mathteacher skilled and experienced in the area of foreign
and science classes, but they sometimes forget thatlanguage. By having someone with experience,
colleges also have foreign language requirements.students can be sure that the instruction they will
Generally, most colleges and universities require thatreceive is aligned to specific standards. In addition to
applicants take and complete two years of a foreignproper instruction, using an accredited instructor also
language.guarantees that credit received for attending and
Although complying with this request is not acompleting the lesson will be in accordance with the
tremendous burden to carry, most parents oftenrequirements of any college or university.
stress out over how they will help their student meetA great deal of preparation can go into applying to
the requirement. In most cases, a parent's biggestcollege. From the actual application paperwork, to
concern is a lack of knowledge or background in thedetermining a major, the process can be daunting.
specific language that their child has chosen to study.One thing that does not have to cause problems is
Although there is always the option of trying tomeeting the foreign language requirement. Whether it
convince a student to study a language that a parentmeans completing two years or more, a distance
is better prepared to teach, this can be very limitinglearning program can definitely help. With the right
and particularly unfair to the student.distance learning school, about the only thing a
What options do parents in this situation have? Moststudent has to worry about in terms of a foreign
of the time, homeschooling parents make thelanguage is making sure homework assignments are
decision to enroll their child in a distance learningbeing completed on time.