CAO Change of mind
The Leaving Certificate is now underway, and we wish the students sitting the exams this year the very best of luck. However, once the Leaving Cert is over, the CAO change of mind will be just around the corner and students are encouraged to add a language to their course choice, if they haven’t already done so. Students have until Tuesday 1st July to make any changes to their CAO applications.
Keeping up a language at third level does not automatically mean completing a language focused degree. Many Higher Education Institutions now offer the opportunity to take language classes at major, minor or elective level, often allowing students to pick and choose how they wish to learn a language. For some courses, it is also an option to start a new language, giving students a chance to learn a brand-new skill.
Languages benefit everyone
Some students may choose to follow more traditional language - based career paths such as translation, interpretation or teaching, however these are only a few of the many options available to prospective students, particularly in the wake of Brexit. Ireland is the only EU country that has English as a first language, meaning graduates with foreign language skills plus English will be favoured in any company or area where there is an international element. International areas of business, fashion, sport and technology, to name just a few, now expect the same level of language skills from Irish graduates as from their European counterparts.
Language Course Filter
There are currently over 600 CAO courses that provide a language option at either major, minor or elective level. The number of courses providing this option has increased year on year, such as the recently added Global Politics, highlighting the growing interest, and need, for Irish graduates to have foreign language skills. Students can use the Languages Connect filter on the CareersPortal course finder to discover what courses provide this option and at what level.
Languages can serve as a tool to improve a students’ career prospects as well as develop their personal and social life through many opportunities that they would otherwise be unable to experience. The CAO change of mind is a perfect opportunity to ensure that students’ have considered a language that can simply add to their bright future!