For bilingual students, college presents a unique set of challenges as they juggle academic demands while navigating the complexities of using multiple languages in both coursework and social life.

College can be tough for anyone, but for bilingual students, the experience can come with some unique challenges. While being fluent in two or more languages is definitely an asset, it doesn’t always make college life easier. One of the biggest struggles for bilingual students is adjusting to the academic language used in higher education.

In many cases, college courses require a level of language proficiency that goes beyond casual conversation, including specialized vocabulary and complex writing styles. Even if you’re fluent in both languages, transitioning from speaking casually with family and friends to understanding technical academic language can be a huge hurdle. 

Another challenge is managing coursework in a language that may not be your first. Understanding lectures and participating in class discussions in a second language can sometimes feel intimidating. Many bilingual students come from homes where a different language is spoken, and while they may have learned English (or another language) in school, they’re still getting used to academic English in a formal setting. 

This can be especially tough when writing essays, where academic tone and structure are crucial. It takes time to master writing that sounds sophisticated and polished, and that can make assignments more stressful for bilingual students who are still perfecting their command of the language.

Socializing can also be difficult for bilingual students, especially if they’re not in a community where both languages are spoken. It’s natural to want to connect with others who share your background, but many bilingual students find that they’re often caught between two worlds. When surrounded by peers who mostly speak one language, they may feel like they don’t quite fit in.

On the other hand, if they do find groups that speak their native language, they may feel pressure to keep up academically in a language they might not feel as comfortable with. This balancing act can make it harder to find a sense of belonging, which is already tough enough in a college setting.

Genesis Agreda, one of many bilingual students here at Highline and the daughter of two immigrant parents, describes some of the benefits of speaking two languages, as well as the fascinating dynamics between bilingual students and their parents–many of whom don’t have English as their first language.

“Explaining to my parents about the experience and process of a college student has been tough as they never got to step foot in the college world, and myself who roughly translates ‘big words’,” said Agreda. “Though it has been a bit of a challenge on that end, it’s also a privilege to be able to have that challenge as it shows a parent-child relationship growing in experience and knowledge. Having the skill of patience and understanding has helped me overcome those challenges.” 

Time management and study habits can also be trickier for bilingual students. Juggling the demands of school in two languages, whether it’s reading textbooks in one language, attending lectures in another, or taking notes and writing papers in yet another can be overwhelming. 

The mental effort it takes to switch between languages, especially during stressful times like finals week, can leave bilingual students feeling burnt out faster. It’s not just the language barrier, but the cognitive load of constantly processing multiple languages, that adds to the pressure of keeping up with coursework.

Despite all these challenges, being bilingual also brings a lot of strengths. Many bilingual students have an advantage when it comes to problem-solving, multitasking, and creativity. They can think in multiple ways, adapt to new environments quickly, and bring a diverse perspective to discussions.

Still, it’s important to recognize the unique difficulties they face in college and give them the support they need, whether that’s through language resources, academic tutoring, or simply understanding that balancing two languages in an academic setting isn’t easy.