Some med schools do give preference if their applicants have bilingual ability. Does bilingual in this sense mean english and spanish or english and any other language?
Thanks
Sox
Thanks
Sox
bilingual - spanish or any other language?
- Thread starter soxman
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From what I understand, it just really depends on the school. While Spanish is certainly useful in many places, some schools are situated in areas where other languages may be useful, as well.
For example, if you are looking at schools in certain parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, then it would be helpful to know a little Russian (Vi gavaraetye pa-russki??). While Spanish is probably more widely spoken in these areas, Russian would be a good asset to have, and would make you stand out a bit more than the 100 other applicants who took 4 years of spanish.
So basically, Spanish is great, other languages are great in some places/situations, too.
For example, if you are looking at schools in certain parts of New York, Pennsylvania, and Florida, then it would be helpful to know a little Russian (Vi gavaraetye pa-russki??). While Spanish is probably more widely spoken in these areas, Russian would be a good asset to have, and would make you stand out a bit more than the 100 other applicants who took 4 years of spanish.
So basically, Spanish is great, other languages are great in some places/situations, too.
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I think being bilingual with any two languages would look good, but especially in areas with a large Spanish speaking population I think Spanish counts for the most. The University of Miami actually mentions this on their admissions FAQ page.
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Well what about like Arabic, or Urdu, Hindi, Sindhi, Punjabi?
Do they count? There is a lot of Asian population in Orlando, and Tampa right?
Do they count? There is a lot of Asian population in Orlando, and Tampa right?
Just depends on the area. Places that have high Arabic-speaking populations would probably look more favorably on it, but no one will look down on it. It can only help you. It shows versatility and an ability to analyze data efficiently.
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When I interviewed recently at a school in an area with a LARGE hispanic population, they made it very clear that ANY second language was a plus, not just Spanish.
Just wish I had a second language...guess pig latin doesn't count!
Just wish I had a second language...guess pig latin doesn't count!
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Im am guessing if you are not 100% fluent you cant list it.
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I mentioned at my interview that I was almost fluent in French and conversational in an African dialect and the interviewer was so excited. Surprisingly more so about the African language than the French.
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Lots of people in the US are conversant in French, but how many speak African dialects? Makes sense to me.
I dont see a problem in mentioning that you are conversational in different languages, but I definitely wouldnt exaggerate what you know. I can have a pretty decent conversation in either english, spanish, or german (tested fluent in german 3 years ago, but its been getting rusty ever since) and I have mentioned this in 'what else is cool about you' essays. I am careful to make sure it says I can speak basic conversationally though, not fluently. That would be an embarassing interview moment that would lead to a rejection...."Que tal?"....ummmmm my name is Vanessa??....huge red reject stamp!!!
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Bilingual typically means knowing two languages. It's implied that one language is english in this country but the term can be used to mean any two languages. I'm bilingual and can hold my own in a Chinese conversation but there are serious deficiencies in my Chinese vocabulary. Still, I list it as bilingual since I can carry a conversation without an accent. You just can't debate with me on anything beyond a third grade level. 😀
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If you have any ability in a language that is utilizable, I suggest you list it. I am a Spanish major and have been speaking it for about 9 years, and I use my skills nearly every day with my job. As a physician you will encounter people from nearly every language in the world, so any ability is seen as a plus.😀
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Yes yes yes yes and yes. My school (and other TX schools I'm sure) LOVE LOVE LOVE bilinguals, Spanish majors, those who feel a calling to help the disadvantaged. There are many more of those than average at my school.
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Okay, how many of you are truly bilingual? I have studied French for ... ever. After studying in France however, I learned to appreciate the difference between being a fluent speaker and being bilingual. I speak fluently, and can hold my own in most conversations that do not get too technical (no political debates or science reveries for me - I simply do not have those words), but I don't really think you are bilingual unless your vocabulary is practically that of a native speaker. I think this applies to someone who was raised with multiple languages, or someone who has lived in another country speaking that language for an extended (read: years) period of time.
Of course, this could just be my interpretation.
Of course, this could just be my interpretation.
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Can you be more specific about which schools in NY, PA, and Fl prefer Russian speaking applicants? 😎
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Obviously Spanish would be a huge asset to have (I speak Russian and German). But any language sets you apart and also shows that you have some of the skills necessary to memorize and recall a lot of information quickly. Very good skills to have as a med student. And also it may show that you are able to communicate well through cultural and language barriers.
I didn't say that certain schools in those areas *prefer* Russian speakers. I said it would be *helpful* in those areas. If I'm working in a clinic near Brighton Beach in New York, it would be immensely advantageous to speak and understand Russian. Doesn't mean the school will give you brownie points. I was just pointing out that not every "foreign language" is necessarily Spanish.
