If the idea of proficiency in three or more languages excites you, the world languages major at Grace College might be for you. The program will help you gain competency in multiple languages, expose you to diverse communities, and lead to a wide array of careers and possibilities.
Our world languages major finds its roots in the idea that all cultures reflect the truth about who God is and how He designed us. When we study other languages, we’re studying other image-bearers and their communities. At Grace, we equip our learners to work as bridge-builders across diverse communities, using cultural competency and linguistic knowledge to further God’s Kingdom.
The Modern Languages concentration focuses on modern language proficiency. World Languages majors with an interest in translation and interpreting, modern language study, contemporary world cultures, and sectors such as non-profit or government (eg. the Foreign Service) will be best served by the Modern Languages concentration, which allows students to acquire a high degree of proficiency in French and Spanish, and to complete a language immersion semester focusing on a third modern language.
As a language major, you’ll begin with intermediate and beginner Spanish and French classes, focusing on language, culture, listening, writing, speaking, reading, and history. You’ll hone in on specific aspects of language, such as speaking or composition, as you progress onto advanced, specialized courses. You can expect smaller, discussion-based class periods where you will be entirely immersed in the language.
The required study abroad component allows students to complete a semester in South Korea, Hungary, Germany, or the Middle East, giving you the opportunity to learn a third language and to discover other civilizations first-hand. You will also develop a dynamic Christian worldview as you encounter differing cultural values and beliefs, and you’ll learn to live as a global citizen while studying abroad.
We offer a variety of on-campus opportunities to supplement your language major. Students participate in Grace’s French Club, Spanish Club, Esperanza Latina Club, and even Mu Kappa, Grace’s club for third-culture kids.
You may also choose to work an optional internship. Several of our students have worked with non-English-speaking elementary students in the community or served as a tutor at the Morgan Library.
When you graduate with a language degree, you’ll be equipped with a high degree of language competency, written and verbal communication skills, critical thinking skills, and cultural understanding. You may choose to work in missions, translation services, tourism, publishing, language teaching, or more.
