It’s a good thing NIU was able to scrape up funds for the Polish program, because foreign language is one of the last things that should be cut from a university’s curriculum. NIU is a very diverse school. International students represent more than 100 countries.

While there was a threat that the Polish program would not be offered in the fall, funds did become available to offer a few classes, and there is a possibility there will be a minor in Polish studies available to students in the future.

Whether it is Polish, Spanish or Burmese, foreign languages are essential to a university. In today’s world, being culturally aware is just as important as going to school and getting a degree. Learning a foreign language aids in this process, and when a university threatens to eliminate one program, that means the other ones might not be too far behind on the list of cuts.

Americans are constantly criticized for not making an effort to get to know other cultures, and foreign languages in university settings aim to teach students about these other cultures. Living in the United States doesn’t offer the luxury of being next door to many different countries. While states are culturally different in some aspects, these differences don’t compare to what it would be like living right near other countries.

While budgets are tight right now, there are plenty of ways the university can cut back without having to cut programs. Some foreign languages might not have lots of students enrolled in them, but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be offered.