Foreign Languages
What is Foreign Language
The Department of Foreign Languages & Literatures at OSU "offers a range of programs at different university levels in language, cultural studies, linguistics, literature, and teacher education aimed at giving students a sense of world citizenry and preparing them for careers in internationally-related fields.
"Our roots are in the humanities and so our ambition is to furnish you the necessary tools and sensitivity to function in a multicultural world. This means gaining insight into the values of other cultures as well as examining our own individual cultural perspectives.
"The department is committed to real-life applications of language acquisition and supports small classes with a focus on interactive learning...In today’s world, knowing other languages is often a necessity for success. Developing language competence will strengthen the credentials of students planning careers in any of the following fields: international business, foreign affairs, non-government organizations, environmental science, public health, law enforcement, education, social services, among many others."
Foreign Language - What Can I Do with This Degree? pdf - lists the industry areas, employers, and strategies for using your degree.
Related Careers
| Advertising Copywriter | Global Sales Communications Specialist |
| Archivist | Hotel Manager |
| Auto Claims Representative | Human Resources Support Analyst |
| Bilingual Counselor | Import/Export Representative |
| Bilingual Publishing Assistant | International Adoption Coordinator |
| Business Development Analyst | International Banking Officer |
| Buyer | International Conference Planner |
| Child & Family Specialist | Interpreter |
| Children's Activities Coordinator | Language Teacher |
| CIA/FBI Agent | Linguist |
| Claims Representative | Marketing Coordinator |
| Communications Specialist | Medical Interpreter |
| Community Affairs Specialist | Missionary |
| Community Coordinator | News Reporter |
| Community Support Specialist | Peace Corps Volunteer |
| Correctional Officer | Professor |
| Court Interpreter | Proofreader |
| Cultural Officer | Public Opinion Analyst |
| Customer Services Representative | Publicity Assistant |
| Customs/Immigration Officer | Researcher |
| Embassy Personnel | Social Worker |
| Family Advocate | Speech Pathologist |
| Flight Attendant | Tour Guide |
| Foreign Correspondent | Translator |
| Foreign Film Dubber | Travel Agent |
| Foreign Language Tutor | Web Developer |
| Foreign Student Advisor | Writer/Author |
| Foreign Trade Analyst | Youth Specialist |
Related Skills
| Ability to Communicate Complex Concepts (Often in Other Languages) | Interact with Diverse Populations |
| Acknowledge & Adapt to Other Cultures | Interpersonal Skills |
| Analysis Aptitude | Research Skills |
| Communication (Oral & Written) | Speak Multiple Languages Fluently |
Job & Internship Search Links
USAJobs.gov - check out the Students and Recent Grads section and the Federal Jobs by College Major for a listing of job titles related to your major.
Bilingual-Jobs - provides job listings for different languages.
Linguistic Funland -offers resources and information for individuals who seek to teach English overseas.
O Hayo Sensei - Teach in Japan
Career Planning Links
Occupational Outlook Handbook - the following links also provide a summary of the career, what they do, the work environment, how to become one, the job outlook, similar occupations and contacts for more information.
- Average Pay - Interpreters and Translators
- Average Pay - Anthropologists and Archaeologists
- Average Pay - Self-enrichment Teachers
- Average Pay - Technical Writers
- Average Pay - High School Teachers
What Can I do with a Major in Foreign Language? - CareerThoughts.com has a similar page to this one, which includes career options, expected salary, and job outlook information.
Education Portal - foreign language degree descriptions and what you can do with your major.
Omniglot - careers using foreign languages.
World Languages & Culture - provides information on what to do with your language major.
AnthroTECH - provides an extensive listing of internet resources related to the study of culture.
What Can I do With a Major in Foreign Language?
Professional Association Links
American Association of Museums - provides resources and information related to museums.
American Folklore Society - offers resources and information relevant to the study of folklore, with job listings in academic and non-academic settings.
Americas Society - offers resources and information related to the cultures of neighbors in the Western Hemisphere, with jobs related to international and cultural affairs.
Center for Applied Linguistics
American Translators Association
National Association for Bilingual Education




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