Reasons to study a foreign language

Studying another language has been shown to improve your general communication skills, cognitive abilities, and critical thinking, as well as broaden your life experiences and your view of the world. Language study on your transcript gives you an edge in any career choice. Among other things, world language study offers a gateway to countries that trade with the United States. To compete in a global marketplace and to engage an increasingly diverse U.S. population, major industries, multinational corporations and many branches of government seek employees who speak more than just English. Even small local businesses, without global reach, know that applicants with foreign language skills are better qualified than those without them.

Learn a language, gain a world of skills

How will a language degree help you find a job?  Well, for starters, a language major doesn't restrict your job opportunities. On the contrary, a major in languages will open up more career options and make you more competitive on the job market. How? The study of linguistics develops a core set of skills sought after by employers in a wide range of occupational settings. These skills include:

Communication

  • Multilingualism
  • Cross-cultural communication
  • Expressing and understanding multiple viewpoints
  • Presenting information logically
  • Reading critically
  • Writing effectively
  • Linguistic sophistication

Critical thinking

  • Thinking collaboratively
  • Analyzing information, cultures and complex problems
  • Comparing and contrasting interpretations
  • Offering diverse perspectives
  • Assessing cultural differences
  • Synthesizing themes
  • Research skills

Human relations

  • Understanding cultural differences
  • Sensitivity to cultural issues
  • Flexibility in thinking and learning
  • Ability to adjust to new environments
  • Appreciation of cultural history, literature, politics, music and more

Problem solving

  • Assessing needs
  • Defining problems
  • Understanding alternative perspectives
  • Gathering information from a variety of sources
  • Weighing alternatives
  • Generating creative solutions

Intercultural competence

Your communication skills and cultural know-how can nicely complement virtually any career preparation. The study of a language entails much more than merely learning grammar and memorizing vocabulary. It gives you solid preparation for understanding and dealing with an entirely new culture, a skill of increasing significance due to globalization. Proficiency in foreign languages and an understanding of other cultures are essential tools in an increasingly interdependent world. For this reason, your communication skills and cultural know-how can nicely complement virtually any career preparation.

Hear from University alumni

Hear from University alumni who have earned a degree in a world language and learn how that has helped them in their personal and professional lives.

Spanish alumni

Landon Miller earned a dual degree in Journalism and Spanish, then returned to the University of Nevada, Reno to pursue a Master of Arts in Spanish Language and Literature. Hear from Landon about how his double major launched his career and kept him local to northern Nevada.