Our Language Programs


Give to the Modern Languages & Literatures Endowed Study Abroad Scholarship

Established to encourage and assist language students to study abroad and gain life experience in the language they are studying at Grand Valley.


Why study foreign language?

Why language? Language is considered a critical part of a liberal arts education. Part of Grand Valley State University's vision and strategic priorities are to "inspire and equip students to be active life-long learners and global citizens" and to require global learning of all undergraduate majors. This does not mean that we expect all students to become fluent, but instead to have exposure to a second language and culture, which in turn leads to practical language skills. The Modern Languages and Literatures Department's language courses offer not just the chance to study a language, but to actively engage with another culture on its own terms. 

Multiple studies link the benefits of language learning to: 

  • enhanced cognitive ability and flexibility
  • delaying mental effects of aging
  • empathy and effective interpersonal skills
  • improved learning outcomes in other subjects

The following professions are seeing an increased need for language skills:

  • Business
  • Nursing
  • Engineering and other STEM fields
  • National Security and other government positions

Check out our majorsminors, and other language courses. Explore further reading on the importance of learning a foreign language.

Why study language video

Announcements

GVSU Celebrates Languages Spotlight

GVSU Celebrates Languages

Please join us! Everyone is welcome; no language experience necessary.

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Alumni Highlights

Stephanie Tanis, German, BS Biomedical Science & German, 2017 Spotlight

Stephanie Tanis, German, BS Biomedical Science & German, 2017

"Without the great professors in the GVSU German Department, I wouldn't have had the necessary language and cultural skills to start my scientific career in Germany!"

Tricia Nichol, Spanish, BA Spanish Education, 2013 Spotlight

Tricia Nichol, Spanish, BA Spanish Education, 2013

Tricia graduated from GVSU in the winter of 2013 and immediately accepted a Spanish teaching position at Coopersville High School. She loves working with novice level students as she shares her passion of the Spanish language and culture.

Ryan Grabijas, German, BA & BS German & Hospitality and Tourism Management, 2016 Spotlight

Ryan Grabijas, German, BA & BS German & Hospitality and Tourism Management, 2016

After graduating in April 2016, Ryan spent the summer working as a German language instructor at Concordia Language Villages in Bemidji, Minnesota, and then as a hiking guide in the Canadian Rockies for German-speaking tourists.

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Events

German Reading Circle Event Spotlight

German Reading Circle Event

German Reading Circle. Reading German Literature. Allow someone to practice their language skills in the LRC on November 6th 2023

GVSU Celebrates Languages Spotlight

GVSU Celebrates Languages

Please join us! Everyone is welcome; no language experience necessary.

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A Department of Liberal Arts and Sciences



Page last modified June 7, 2022