Foreign Language Major
What is Foreign Languages?
Foreign language majors study of the
languages of other countries. This includes the reading
of the literature and history of the countries you choose
to specialize in. Majors often learn several languages
and study abroad in an appropriate country is encouraged.
Study abroad to immerse oneself in the life and culture
of another country is encouraged.
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What are Some Specializations Within
this Broad Major?
MyMajors.com cannot pinpoint your interests
beyond recommending this general major. Various specializations
related to this major may be offered by colleges and universities.
These specializations may be of greater or lesser interest
to you. A few of the specializations related to this field
include, but are not limited to:
Spanish |
French |
German |
Hindi |
Portugese |
Swedish |
Latin |
Finnish |
Hebrew |
Farsi |
Thai |
Italian |
Chinese |
Russian |
Japanese |
Greek |
Arabic |
Linguistics |
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What Kinds of Students Major in
Foreign Languages?
Students who enjoyed foreign languages
in high school are natural candidates for this major.
The knowledge of multiple foreign languages is helpful
when students seek careers in the Foreign Service, in
international companies, and in teaching. To understand
a foreign language, the student must have excellent knowledge
of English, as well. The study of other languages and
cultures offers students communicative skills and understanding
that are increasingly valuable in many fields: business,
education, government, law enforcement, media, social
services and the service industry, among others. Many
students choose a double or secondary major and combine
a foreign language with a complementary field like English,
history, international studies, journalism, political
science, business, international marketing or education.
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What Courses Do Foreign Languages
Majors Take?
The required and elective courses you
would take for majors vary considerably among institutions.
Courses are listed here that are illustrative of the breadth
of topics you are likely to experience were you to major
in this field.
Introductory
French or Spanish or German or ? |
Intermediate
French or Spanish or German or ? |
Literature
of France or Spain or German or ? |
Composition |
Advanced
French or Spanish or German or ? |
History
of France or Spain or German or ? |
Linguistics |
Secondary
School Teaching Methods |
Conversation |
Foreign
Film |
Study
Abroad |
|
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What Types of Positions do Foreign
Languages Majors Take After College?
These professions and professional organizations
illustrate the types of positions you might qualify for
if you complete this major. Some majors are more directly
related to employment than others, however. You should
consider the likelihood of employment after graduation
carefully, if you do not plan to go on for graduate work
in a field. Even with the completion of graduate work
in some fields, however, employment is difficult, so you
should determine what the prospects are for this or any
major. Employment possibilities are often enhanced by
the selecting employment-related courses and by the enrollment
in second major or in a minor.
International
Business |
Teacher
of Foreign Language |
Foreign
Service |
Exporting
and Importing |
Medical
Translator |
Teaching
English as a Second Language |
Software
and Software Documentation Translator |
Diplomatic
Translator |
Human
Resources |
Are you interested in detailed information
about the forecasted demand for a particular profession?
Are you interested in the estimated salaries such positions
are likely to pay? This government Web site allows you
to search on a particular job, whether listed here or
not, to give you this information.
Bureau
of Labor Statistics
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Related Links
If you are interested in learning more
about what professionals in this field do and what kinds
of activities they engage in, you might want to begin
with the following web sites. Also check the departmental
web sites of colleges and universities, which offer this
major.
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University Departments to Consider
The following institutions are the featured
institutions on MyMajors because they support MyMajors
and you in your search for the best major available. They
offer excellent curriculums in well-rounded programs for
you to consider.
Other fine institutions offering this
major offer excellent programs to consider.
For information on options available
to campuses wishing to see their majors listed
on MyMajors, contact: admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Two-Year College Curriculums to
Consider
Suggest to your two-year college
advisor that their institution's majors be included
to show you their course requirements and unique
resources. Two-year college representatives should
contact admin@mymajors.com for details. |
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Want
More Information? Look at major descriptions prepared
by university academic advisement staffs.
More on Choosing Your College Major 
