Foreign Languages and Cultures

The study of language and literature enhances your ability to understand and communicate with people of other nations and cultures, in addition to developing proficiency in reading, writing, and oral expression.  Foreign Language programs include:

Center for Latin American and Caribbean Studies

Center for Russian, East European, and Eurasian Studies

French, Francophone, and Italian Studies

Slavic, German, and Eurasian Studies

Spanish & Portuguese

Sample of Related Skills

  • Apply reading, writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills to address significant issues in the natural and human world based on articulating one’s identity in a global context 
  • Evaluate and apply diverse perspectives to complex subjects within natural and human systems in the face of multiple and even conflicting positions 
  • Describe the impact of international events and systems at the regional, national, and local levels in at least one major area of the world 
  • Demonstrate the skills and confidence necessary to make critical, informed evaluations and judgments about global issues, processes, trends, and policies 
  • Apply an interdisciplinary methodology to provide new insight into a global issue, process, trend, or policy 
  • Present a clear and concise account of a global issue, process, trend, or policy 
  • Demonstrate basic proficiency in a language in addition to English  

Popular Career Paths

Business, Commerce, Trade: Uses foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work with international partners in all aspects of global business, management, banking, and trade.
Communications & Media: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work for domestic or international employers in the areas of journalism, broadcasting media, communications, public relations, and advertising.
Foreign Relations: Works with US government agencies and international non-profit organizations to inform and enhance relations between countries through foreign diplomacy, intelligence, policy, and law.
International Development & Human Services: Works with US government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop and advocate for economic, political, and social quality-of-life issues on behalf of those living abroad and those immigrating to the US.
Research: Involves conducting research to inform educational programs, policy development, and other educational or political interests.
Teaching/Education Administration: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to build educational systems in developing countries, oversee educational exchange programs for students and educators, and teach language skills domestically or abroad. 

Jobs to Consider

Places to Seek Employment

  • Consulting Firms
  • Domestic/Foreign Banking and Financial Institutions
  • Domestic/Foreign Corporations
  • International Trade Firms
  • Multilateral Organizations (e.g. United Nations)
  • Newspaper, Magazine, and Book Publishers
  • Non-Profit Organizations
  • US Federal Government and Military
  • US State and Local Governments
  • Museums
  • Research Institutes and Foundations
  • Public/Private Schools
  • Travel and Hospitality Providers
  • TV Networks and Film Studios 

Explore More Career Resources

AIESEC - offers internships in over 110 countries and territories around the world

Amnesty International - human rights advocacy organization that offers jobs and internships

Brookings - think tank and publisher that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in foreign policy, economic studies, and global economy/development 

Cultural Vistas - non-profit organization that offers international internships, fellowships, and other global programs 

Central Intelligence Agency Careers - explore career paths and current job and internship openings within the CIA 

Council on Foreign Relations - think tank and publisher that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in foreign relations 

Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) - offers teaching programs in nearly 10 countries around the world 

Dave's ESL Cafe - comprehensive website about teaching ESL; includes job postings, discussion forums, and certification program information  

Department of Homeland Security Careers - explore career paths and current job and internship openings within the DHS 

Department of State Careers - explore career paths and current jobs and internship openings within the DOS 

Federal Bureau of Investigation Careers - explore career paths and current job and internship openings with the FBI 

Foreign Policy Research Institute - non-profit devoted to research and public education on international affairs; includes jobs, internships, and a think tank directory 

Government & Non-Profit Resources - more from career.ku.edu 

Human Rights Watch - non-profit organization that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in human rights advocacy 

KU Office of Study Abroad - internships in London, Dublin, and Madrid 

GoGovernment - job profiles of education jobs in the federal government including available positions and number of positions by region and governmental agency 

LanguageCorps - programs for teaching English abroad in 19 countries around the world 

LatPro - free job board for Latino/a and other Spanish-speaking bilingual professionals 

NABE: National Association for Bilingual Education - professional association for bilingual education administrators and teachers; includes a free job board 

NAFSA: Association of International Educators - career information and job listings for international educators 

PeaceCorps - federal service program that currently sends US volunteers to serve abroad in over 75 countries

RAND Corporation - think tank that offers jobs, internships, and fellowships in international affairs and national security 

United Nations - explore UN career paths and current job and internship openings

US Citizenship & Immigration Services - explore career paths and current job and internship openings with the USCIS

Working Abroad Resources - more from career.ku.edu