Learning Romanian in the US
Romanian is a Romance language spoken by around 24 million people worldwide. While it is not as widely studied as French or Spanish, there are still many colleges and universities in the United States that offer courses in Romanian. Studying Romanian can be beneficial for those interested in Romanian culture, literature, or business opportunities in Romania or neighboring countries. In this article, we will explore the different colleges and universities in the US that offer Romanian language courses, as well as other opportunities for language immersion and study abroad.
List of Colleges Offering Romanian Courses
Here is a list of colleges and universities in the United States that offer Romanian language courses:
- University of California, Berkeley
- University of California, Los Angeles
- Columbia University
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
- University of Michigan
- University of Minnesota
- Ohio State University
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Texas at Austin
- University of Wisconsin-Madison
These schools offer courses at various levels, from introductory to advanced, and some also offer courses in Romanian literature or culture. Many of these institutions also offer study abroad programs in Romania or other Romanian-speaking regions.
Universities in the US with Romanian Programs
In addition to individual language courses, some colleges and universities in the United States offer formal Romanian programs. These programs may include Romanian language courses as well as courses in Romanian culture, literature, or history. Here are a few examples:
- Indiana University Bloomington: Romanian and East European Studies Program
- University of Pittsburgh: Center for Russian, East European & Eurasian Studies (REEES)
- University of Washington: Department of Slavic Languages and Literatures
These programs may also offer study abroad opportunities in Romania or other Romanian-speaking regions.
Romanian Language Courses at Ivy League Schools
Several Ivy League schools also offer Romanian language courses, including Columbia University, University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University. These courses may be part of a larger program in East European or Romance languages and literatures.
Community Colleges that Teach Romanian
While community colleges may not offer full Romanian language programs, some do offer introductory courses or continuing education classes in Romanian. For example:
- College of Lake County (Illinois)
- Montgomery College (Maryland)
- Pima Community College (Arizona)
Colleges with Online Romanian Classes
For those who may not live near a college or university that offers Romanian language courses, there are also online options available. The University of Wisconsin-Madison offers an online course in Romanian, as does the University of Pittsburgh through its REEES program.
Top-Ranked Colleges for Romanian Language Study
According to the 2022 U.S. News & World Report rankings, the top colleges and universities for studying foreign languages (including Romanian) are:
- Harvard University
- Yale University
- Princeton University
- Stanford University
- University of Chicago
While these schools may not specifically offer Romanian language programs, they are known for their strong language departments and may offer courses in Romanian or related languages.
Language Immersion Programs in Romanian
In addition to traditional language courses, language immersion programs can provide a more immersive and intensive language learning experience. One such program is the Romanian Cultural Institute’s summer school in Iasi, Romania, which offers Romanian language and culture courses for international students.
Study Abroad Opportunities for Romanian in the US
Many colleges and universities offer study abroad programs in Romania or other Romanian-speaking regions, which can provide an opportunity for students to immerse themselves in the language and culture. For example, the University of California Education Abroad Program offers a program in Bucharest, Romania, where students can take Romanian language and culture courses and participate in cultural activities and excursions.
Romanian Language Courses for Business Students
For those interested in doing business in Romania or with Romanian-speaking companies, learning Romanian can be particularly useful. Some colleges and universities, such as the University of Michigan, offer Romanian language courses specifically for business students.
Benefits of Studying Romanian in the US
Studying Romanian can have a number of benefits, both personally and professionally. It can provide access to Romanian literature, film, and music, as well as a deeper understanding of Romanian culture and history. Knowing Romanian can also be an asset for those pursuing international careers or working with Romanian-speaking clients or colleagues.
Conclusion: Finding the Right Romanian Program
Whether you are interested in studying Romanian for personal or professional reasons, there are many colleges and universities in the United States that offer Romanian language courses and programs. From community colleges to Ivy League universities, traditional language courses to immersion programs, there are many options available for finding the right Romanian program for you.
