<p>Hi! I am a current UMass sophomore and can answer a few of your questions. I don’t remember them all so I’ll address the two that I do remember. First, as for the Thatcher language program, I lived in Thatcher last year (my freshman year) and the only way for you to live in that building as a freshman, is for you to be in the Global Opportunities RAP (if you don’t know what a RAP is, definitely look that up on UMass’ website) on the second floor. Then, when you’re asked to pick housing for the following year (usually happens in April) you will be given the opportunity to continue to live in Thatcher (this time on one of the language floors). If you do the RAP, you can stay in Thatcher even if you don’t take a language. But if you are just trying to live there after freshman year, you will have to fill out an application. I don’t think it’s that extensive or competitive, you will just need to be enrolled in a language class (for those specific languages: Chinese, German, Spanish, French, Japanese etc.) Definitely consider Thatcher for freshman year though (with the RAP) because the rooms are sooo much bigger than most others, and because it’s a mixed building, you get to meet upper-classmen!
As for your next question, UMass generally does offer really good language classes. The only one I can really speak to (because I took it for one semester) is the Arabic class. That class is really not good; the teacher cannot teach Arabic very well. But I’ve heard only good things about the other languages. But what’s great about UMass is that you have the 5 college consortium so close to you; so for the last 3 semesters I’ve taken Arabic at Amherst College and it’s been FANTASTIC! Just something to consider if you are unsatifisied with your language (or really any class) at UMass. Please write more questions if you have any!</p>