Foreign Language

In today’s increasingly interdependent world, the ability to speak a second language is an extremely valuable skill. The foreign language program at the University of Idaho blends the study of language, literature and culture with experiences abroad to prepare you to compete in this rapidly changing global economy. Your advanced proficiency in a foreign language and your heightened cultural understanding will greatly enhance your marketability and open doors to opportunities in education, business, government, legal advocacy, journalism, tourism, agriculture, health care and other fields.

The Department of Modern Languages and Cultures offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Foreign Language with major options in:

• French
• Spanish
• Foreign language/business (combines a basic core of business courses with a major in French, German or Spanish)

The department also offers courses in:

• Japanese

The department has a collaboration agreement with Washington State University, which allows students to take courses in:

• Chinese
• Russian

Nearly 80 percent of foreign language graduates earn a double degree in both foreign language and a second degree program related to a particular career or academic interest. Common double majors include international studies, history, political science, English, journalism, public relations and justice studies.

As a foreign language major, you will master the ability to understand, speak, read and write at least one language other than English. Through courses exploring language, literature, cultural history and international film, you will develop advanced linguistic skills as well as a strong liberal arts background. Small class sizes ensure personal attention from the department’s top faculty members.

Experiences gained through studying abroad are an integral part of the foreign language program. Students are required to spend a semester or longer studying in another country.

You’ll also have opportunities to practice your language skills in our modern Interactive Language Center, which features the latest learning technologies.

Prepare for Success

Students pursuing a degree in a foreign language should have a strong interest in international travel and in learning about other cultures. To really master a second language, you must have excellent analytical skills, as well as strong listening and communication skills. Most students on this track excelled in a foreign language while they were in high school. At the University of Idaho, you can bypass introductory and intermediate courses and begin your university language studies at an appropriate skill level. If you earn a C grade or better, you’ll be eligible to receive credit for the courses you bypassed.

Your First Year

During your first year as a foreign language major, you will complete university requirements and core foundation courses for your chosen area of emphasis. Depending on your entering skill level, you will begin the program with elementary, intermediate or advanced language classes. You will take advanced courses in:

• Composition
• Grammar
• Conversation
• Phonetics
• Culture and Institutions – both historical and contemporary
• Film
• Reading Proficiency
• Literature

Typically, students complete the intermediate language curriculum and a course or two at the 300-level before going abroad. You may be eligible to study abroad during your sophomore, junior or/and senior year.

What You Can Do

With a Bachelor of Arts in Foreign Language, you could become a:

• Translator
• Interpreter
• Teacher
• Bilingual educator
• Customs/immigration officer
• Linguist
• Journalist
• Foreign service officer
• Diplomat
• International trade specialist
• International sales manager
• Travel writer
• Tourism director
• Intelligence officer
• Museum coordinator
• Professor
• Proofreader/copywriter

Opportunities

A degree in a foreign language, especially when it’s coupled with another area of study, gives you a competitive edge in a tight job market. In many positions, the knowledge of a second language is not only desirable, but necessary. Graduates with a degree in foreign language have careers in:

• Business and commerce
• International business
• Government and nongovernmental organizations
• Education
• Communications and media
• Law
• Medicine and nursing
• Translating and interpreting
• Peace Corps
• Tourism and recreation
• Advertising/public relations

Current Research

University of Idaho faculty members in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures are recognized for their research and expertise in:

• Hispanic/Latin American cinema
• French film
• Women’s literature and film
• Spanish and Mexican literature
• Contemporary German culture and literature
• Literature of ancient Greece and Rome
• Renaissance literature
• Translation/editing

Activities

The department sponsors weekly conversation groups and other extracurricular events in Spanish, French, German and Japanese.

Hands-On Experience

The best way to learn a language is to use it in real-life situations and to converse with native speakers. We offer the following programs to give you the hands-on practice you need:

• Study Abroad Programs: Foreign language majors are required to spend a semester or year studying abroad in an international exchange program. We provide personal guidance to help you find a program and location that’s right for you. We also have many scholarships available to help students finance their study abroad experiences.
• Interactive Language Center: This recently remodeled facility features the latest learning technologies, including streaming video and voice recognition systems. You’ll practice your language skills one-on-one with our conversation mentors. There’s even a satellite TV connection to view foreign language television programs.
• Language Lab: This optional 100-level, one-credit lab is offered in conjunction with elementary- and intermediate-level language courses in French, German, Japanese and Spanish. The lab allows you to practice your listening, comprehension and conversational skills.
• Service-Learning Programs: Our students are often involved in service-learning projects within the Moscow community or abroad.

Faculty Involvement

In the Department of Modern Languages and Cultures, your courses will be taught by the full-time, professional faculty. You can count on individualized attention and advising in one-on-one sessions with the faculty members.