Established to encourage and assist language students to study abroad and gain life experience in the language they are studying at Grand Valley.
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:
The following professions are seeing an increased need for language skills:
Check out our majors, minors, and other language courses. Explore further reading on the importance of learning a foreign language.
After teaching foreign language for six years she took a job as Director of International Sales for an archery manufacturer. Her job involves attending trade shows in Europe and Canada and corresponding daily with customers in French and Spanish.
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.
October 22, 2021 All Day
Where? MAK B, 2nd floor hallway overlooking Ein stein’s Bagels What is it? Students of all languages and levels are invited to write a note of encouragement on a post-it note (provided) and...
October 22, 2021 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM
MAK B-2243 (hallway outside main office) What is it? Books for sale (only $1) in multiple languages! All proceeds go to Replenish to help students struggling with food insecurity.
