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

Grace Poquette, Spanish, BA Spanish & English, 2013 Spotlight

Grace Poquette, Spanish, BA Spanish & English, 2013

She has found many more opportunities to be available to her with foreign language experience, including being able to work on international law, and she has been able to form more powerful connections with her clients.

Christopher Penzien, German, BA German, 2002 Spotlight

Christopher Penzien, German, BA German, 2002

Increased cultural awareness gained through studying a foreign language and participating in a study-abroad program has helped him throughout his career by giving him the skills needed to interact with people from varying backgrounds.

Marvis Herring, Spanish, BA Broadcasting, 2013 Spotlight

Marvis Herring, Spanish, BA Broadcasting, 2013

Marvis is multimedia journalist, currently at WLKY in Louisville, KY. Prior to that, he was with WOOD TV8, West Michigan's legacy NBC affiliate.

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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.

View More Events

A Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences



Page last modified June 7, 2022