Languages at VCU from A (Arabic) to Z (Zulu)

In today's global environment, the knowledge of other languages and cultures is an absolute necessity. Whatever your career plans might be, proficiency in another language and an understanding of other cultures can provide you with a significant edge.

Languages

The School of World Studies offers instruction in the following languages:

Foreign Language Placement Testing

Language Curricula

The language curricula in the School of World Studies offer a rich array of courses in language skills, literature, and culture, allowing students to develop fully their skills in oral and written communication. Language majors learn about cultural and political history, read masterpieces of literature, view outstanding films of the last 100 years, gain insight into current social, political, and artistic developments in the target countries, and work with media such as television and contemporary music.

Global Language Portfolios

Experiential Learning

Language students at VCU learn both in and out of the classroom. Rich electronic resources supplement classroom instruction. Students have the opportunity to put their language skills to use through internships in the community or abroad. The School of World Studies and language clubs sponsor a wide range of extracurricular activities.

Rich electronic resources in the World Studies Media Center supplement classroom instruction, with foreign films and TV for viewing as well as interactive software for enhancing language skills.

Summer study abroad programs provide valuable opportunities to deepen language skills and cultural knowledge. Every year faculty from World Studies sponsor a large number of programs in a variety of countries. VCU language students also often study abroad for a semester or year.

A unique opportunity for language students comes through VCU's role as the host of the Virginia Governor's language academies in the summer, in which language majors often serve as resident assistants.