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:

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

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

EPIK English Program in Korea - teach English abroad in Korea; must have completed a bachelor's degree

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

JET: Japan Exchange & Teaching Programme - cultural exchange program with positions in teaching, international relations, and sports

Korean Horizons - opportunities to teach English in South Korean public schools - does not require certification and they assist you with placement as well as training, securing documentation and continued support throughout your time there

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