A second language opens doors

Every day, globalization proves that it is indispensable in everyone's life. We live in a consumer world that forces us to acquire or learn new things. However, when it comes to having a second language, and especially English, there is no discussion, and it is necessary that we all speak, read, and do business in the universal language.

Many companies require professionals who speak English or another language; they test them and discard good resumes for not having this skill. For this reason, at UCundinamarca, we have made learning this foreign language a fundamental axis in the training of students.

Francy Elena Martínez Franco, a teacher in the faculties of Environmental Engineering, Agronomy, Public Accounting and Psychology at the Facatativá extension in levels I, II, III and IV of English, explains that at the University of Cundinamarca, the teaching of the second language is in a process of redefinition that has allowed teachers to focus on the comprehensive learning of the language for the development of students as excellent professionals.

“This creates a theoretical and practical process that allows students to be active participants in their learning process. It is also important to highlight that, following the University's Educational Model, digital and technological tools have played a significant role and have allowed us to develop autonomy in learning,” the teacher stated.

Students at UCundinamarca study 3 to 4 levels of English throughout their professional training, and they also have the opportunity to take courses through the Continuing Education office to further improve and learn more of the foreign language.

Martínez Franco explained that students beginning their academic journey at UdeC take a diagnostic test that allows faculty to identify strengths and weaknesses in their language proficiency. This enables them to develop strategies to enhance their skills, such as the STARTERS group for students with language weaknesses and the HIGH ACHIEVERS group for those with greater fluency. "These focus groups have allowed us to develop strategies for communicative skills and explore our students' potential in using and mastering English as a foreign language," she said.

According to an article published on the website Actualidad en Psicología, learning a second language transforms the brain regardless of the age at which the process begins; it even states that some research reveals that it improves the structure and functioning of the brain.

The professor from UCundinamarca stated that in modern times, communication has become one of the most prestigious skills. Connecting with the world through truthful, efficient, and engaging communication, while respecting cultural differences, has enabled the development of world-class professionals. She added that if our graduates can communicate in a second language—in our particular case, English—it will greatly broaden their professional development prospects. This allows them not only to access an international job market but also to pursue postgraduate studies, enabling them to contribute to building the knowledge society we envision at the University.

In Continuing Education

The Continuing Education academic offerings at UCundinmarca in English are as follows: Elementary Level A2.1, Pre-intermediate Level A2.2, Intermediate Level B1.1, and Upper-intermediate Level B1.2. These courses can be taken concurrently with or after completing your studies; they are in addition to the curriculum but can be very useful for building your future.

Professor Francy Elena stated that continuing to study after graduation is highly recommended because languages are constantly evolving. “Languages behave like living entities that need to be studied according to contexts, situations, and cultural changes. For this reason, constant practice in both oral and written expression and comprehension will allow students, graduates, faculty, and administrative staff to create a dynamic learning community ready for the challenges of the modern world,” she concluded.

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