Multiple studies link the benefits of language learning to:
The following professions are seeing an increased need for language skills:
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. Learn more about why language?
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Established to encourage and assist language students to study abroad and gain life experience in the language they are studying at Grand Valley.
While a student at GVSU, she took three study abroad trips -- two in Mexico and one in Costa Rica. Joslyn looks back on her time at GVSU with fond memories, "I still wouldn't change a thing; worth every penny!"
Trazy still uses her Spanish skills every day, whether greeting hungry families, or advocating on behalf of those who are looking for resources within the community, or providing cultural competency to programming happening within immigrant communities.
Although Jeff graduated with a degree in Journalism, he was very passionate about the Chinese language while attending GVSU.
