Why study a Foreign Language?

Why learn a foreign language?

Learning a foreign language:

  • Fosters respect for others of different backgrounds
  • Enhances your career and travel opportunities
  • Cultivates your intellect and sharpens your thinking skills
  • Enriches your appreciation of your native language and culture

Foreign Languages at QCC

Queensborough offers one of the widest choices of foreign languages in a community college in the CUNY system: Arabic, Chinese, French, Italian and Spanish at the beginner, intermediate and in some languages at the advanced levels, as well as courses in conversation, business communication, culture and literature. The department's dedicated faculty is willing to work individually with you to help you succeed in achieving your goals.

Queensborough students have the opportunity to participate in many CUNY summer or intersession study abroad programs in countries such as China, the Dominican Republic, France, Italy, Mexico and others. Inquire about grants for study abroad programs at the Department.

Queensborough students continuing on to a four-year college requiring additional foreign language may want to take the 3rd semester of a foreign language while still at Queensborough thus saving on tuition. So, complete all your foreign language courses at Queensborough and save money! Credits for courses taken in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures at QCC are easily transferable to most four-year colleges.

The new Foreign Language laboratory linked to the Internet is fully operative. Learn a language with the latest state-of-the-art technology! You may register in a Web-enhanced, hybrid (pnet) or fully online course (net) and learn more at your own pace at home.

Queensborough's multi-cultural faculty is fully trained in assessing individual foreign language skills. Their teaching will broaden your horizons.

Announcement: New Scholarship available for students taking Elementary Chinese I and/or Elementary Chinese II.

The Chai Ho and F.Y. Chiu Scholarship starts accepting applications!!​

To encourage and reward full-time students at Queensborough Community College to enroll in Elementary Chinese language courses. 

The Chai Ho and F.Y.Chiu Scholarship will award a maximum of five scholarship annually to cover the tuition cost of either ElementaryChinese I or Elementary Chinese II language courses at QCC.

For more information, please contact Professor Wei Lai at:  wlai@qcc.cuny.edu

chinese scholarship

Audrey Moore’s - A successful student who took Chinese at QCC

Campus Cultural Centers

Kupferberg Holocaust Center exterior lit up at nightOpens in a new window
Kupferberg Holocaust Center Opens in a new window

The KHC uses the lessons of the Holocaust to educate current and future generations about the ramifications of unbridled prejudice, racism and stereotyping.

Russian Ballet performing at the Queensborough Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window
QPAC: Performing Arts CenterOpens in a new window

QPAC is an invaluable entertainment company in this region with a growing national reputation. The arts at QPAC continues to play a vital role in transforming lives and building stronger communities.

Queensborough Art Gallery exterior in the afternoonOpens in a new window
QCC Art Gallery

The QCC Art Gallery of the City University of New York is a vital educational and cultural resource for Queensborough Community College, the Borough of Queens and the surrounding communities.