Foreign language proficiency

Question

Hello Fellow GMATClubbers,

As I ponder hard to develop a well rounded application profile, One thing that struck me was how is Foreign language proficiency is looked at by B-Schools (I am especially interested to learn about American BSchool's view). If it helps then how will it help and in what dimension of an applicant's profile.
It will also be interesting to know if one language will have an edge over another (let’s say German Vs French Vs Spanish).
I will greatly appreciate feedbacks from BSchool ambassadors and Admission consultants.

Thanks,
Spice

Jerz · Answer

I don't think foreign (non-English) language proficiency on its own matters much to US bschool admissions. Looking at my classmates, their language skills seem to mirror pretty well the greater business population - that is to say that most speak only English and their native language if not English. The only time I think it could help you would be as part of a bigger story about your global experience (eg 'I lived in Germany for a year and became fluent in German', 'I spent 8 months in Beijing and learned Mandarin').

spiceguy · Answer

Hi! Jerz,

Appreciate you response. I'm looking at Foreign language proficiency aa an attribute to the overall profile and not as a stand alone attribute. Does it help u score half a point for diversity?

Thanks
Spice

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shaselai · Answer

i think foreign language matters if you want to go international business schools or going to a specific country or company post mba.

UPGRAYEDD · Answer

Are you trying to learn a new language to help your application or are you already fluent in German - French - Spanish?

If you are looking to learn a new language. All of those languages are relatively easy for a native English speaker to learn. The most useful for international business will be Spanish. But this all depends on what you want to do with your career. Maybe you would rather live in France...

If you already speak them (fluently) then by all means make mention of that fact in your application materials.

Foreign language proficiency

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