Our Language Programs


Give to the Modern Languages & Literatures Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship

Established to encourage and assist language students to study abroad and gain life experience in the language they are studying at Grand Valley.


Why study foreign language?

Why language? Language is considered a critical part of a liberal arts education. Part of Grand Valley State University's vision and strategic priorities are to "inspire and equip students to be active life-long learners and global citizens" and to require global learning of all undergraduate majors. This does not mean that we expect all students to become fluent, but instead to have exposure to a second language and culture, which in turn leads to practical language skills. The Modern Languages and Literatures Department's language courses offer not just the chance to study a language, but to actively engage with another culture on its own terms. 

Multiple studies link the benefits of language learning to: 

  • enhanced cognitive ability and flexibility
  • delaying mental effects of aging
  • empathy and effective interpersonal skills
  • improved learning outcomes in other subjects

The following professions are seeing an increased need for language skills:

  • Business
  • Nursing
  • Engineering and other STEM fields
  • National Security and other government positions

Check out our majorsminors, and other language courses. Explore further reading on the importance of learning a foreign language.

Why study language video

Announcements

GVSU Celebrates Languages Spotlight

GVSU Celebrates Languages

Please join us! Everyone is welcome; no language experience necessary.

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Alumni Highlights

Brooke Elenbaas, Spanish, BA Spanish, 2004 Spotlight

Brooke Elenbaas, Spanish, BA Spanish, 2004

The constant thread of Brooke's career and life have been the degree in language that she received at Grand Valley and she is so thankful for the many and varied ways this degree has helped her be successful in her life.

Kelli Dykstra Darcia, Spanish, BA English-Language Arts & Spanish, 2012 Spotlight

Kelli Dykstra Darcia, Spanish, BA English-Language Arts & Spanish, 2012

She is thankful for the opportunity to have studied abroad in Costa Rica through the Padnos International Center because without that experience, she would not be as successful as she is today.

Katy Salter, Spanish, BA Spanish, 2011 Spotlight

Katy Salter, Spanish, BA Spanish, 2011

Upon graduating from Grand Valley, Katy accepted a Kindergarten teaching position in a Grand Rapids Public School Dual Language Immersion Program. She teaches completely in Spanish to native Spanish speakers and English speakers.

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Events

German Reading Circle Event Spotlight

German Reading Circle Event

German Reading Circle. Reading German Literature. Allow someone to practice their language skills in the LRC on November 6th 2023

GVSU Celebrates Languages Spotlight

GVSU Celebrates Languages

Please join us! Everyone is welcome; no language experience necessary.

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A Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences



Page last modified June 7, 2022