Why MCLS?
Modern and Classical Language Studies (MCLS) provides a wide range of programs in foreign languages, literatures, cultures, and translation, as well as Classics and American Sign Language.
- Gain vital skills in research, critical thinking, writing, and collaborative problem solving, which open doors to many career paths and are essential to success in today's job market.
- Become a global citizen through multilingual communication and gain an understanding of other cultures.
- Stand out in the career market with multilingualism, important in both U.S. culture and the global economy.
- Study abroad and immerse yourself in another language and culture.
General Information and Strategies
- Choose an additional academic area of study to supplement the foreign language, preferably one that requires a high degree of technical skill. Most people with foreign language ability use those skills to assist them in different career fields such as business, education, journalism, law, etc.
- Consider which language and culture appeals to you most and the level of foreign language ability you will need to acquire for success in your career. Possible languages to study: Spanish, German, French, Italian, Russian, Japanese, Chinese, Hebrew, and Arabic. Some languages will offer more job opportunities than other languages in various industries or geographic locales. Some are considered critical needs and will offer the most opportunities.
- Related courses to study include geography, history, civilization, foreign relations, international law, nursing, public health, and world economics.
- Consider planning to attend a private language institute to learn additional languages and cultures.
- Utilize a number of learning methods to develop language fluency. Combine listen and repeat drills, textbooks, audio lessons, and learning apps.
- Travel to a foreign country or study abroad in international exchange programs to develop your language skills and international/intercultural competency.
- Study and practice your foreign language skills by reading foreign newspapers, magazines, and books.
- Seek opportunities to interact with international students on your campus or members of your local community. Host international students, join relevant student organizations, and participate in international campus events.
- Watch foreign movies and listen to foreign broadcasts to maintain your fluency.
- Volunteer your language skills to churches, community organizations, and programs that work with people who speak your target language.
- Correspond with someone from a foreign country.
- Contact professional associations and read their publications to learn about job opportunities.
- Research job postings on the Internet to get an idea of jobs in which knowledge of a foreign language is useful.
- Participate in summer programs, co-ops, and internships to improve your skills.
- Network with others in the field to learn about job opportunities.
- In general, international positions are competitive and difficult to obtain. Be very proactive in developing the skills and experiences international employers seek.
- Get your foot in the door in domestic positions because many international employers promote current employees into international positions.