Proficiency in another language opens doors to opportunities in many professional fields. Students acquire knowledge and skills in global citizenship, diversity, and critical thinking with local and worldwide relevance. We also offer study-abroad opportunities to enhance the learning experience.

World Languages & Cultures at a Glance

French

More than 300 million people speak French on all five continents. It is also the most popular second language after English, and the third-most widely spoken language in the United States. French majors and minors learn not only to communicate correctly and effectively in French, but also to understand and appreciate the diverse cultural perspectives and practices of French-speaking populations. In addition to helping students select classes, program faculty advise and mentor those applying to study abroad programs, internships, jobs, and graduate school.

Learn More about our French Program

German

In our changing global environment, communication is the key to understanding other peoples and cultures. More than 220 million people speak German worldwide and the German program prepares its students to thrive as global citizens in a diverse world. Students acquire language proficiency and cultural competence that provide insight into the culture, literature, and history of German-speaking countries and enables them to travel, study, and work in areas where the target language is used.

Learn More about our German Program

Scandinavian Studies

We are the only public university in Minnesota offering a major in Scandinavian Studies. The Scandinavian Studies Program offers students an opportunity to combine Norwegian or Swedish languages with study of the greater Nordic cultural region. It provides students with a familiarity of Scandinavian heritage and history. And it prepares students to live and work in any of the Scandinavian countries—Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, and Iceland.

Learn more about Scandinavian Studies

Spanish

Close to 500 million people speak Spanish and 20 countries have it as their official language. Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the U.S. (41 million Spanish speakers), giving you a local and a global advantage when it comes to job and business opportunities, travel, and life experiences.

Learn more about our Spanish Program

Chinese Courses

We offer one-year courses in beginning Mandarin Chinese, the language with the largest number of native speakers in the world.

These courses will help you develop skills in Mandarin Chinese to communicate across ethnic, cultural, ideological and national boundaries and to develop an understanding of Chinese interpersonal behavioral culture and related thought patterns.

Take Chinese Courses

Dakota Courses

We offer Dakota in recognition of its status as a heritage language in Minnesota. Dakota is spoken in 21 Dakota communities, reservations, and reserves throughout the northern Great Plains of the United States and Canada. Geographical names in Dakota language record the history and presence of Dakota people in this region for centuries.

We offer two (2) years of Dakota language and culture. Education in the Dakota language provides insight into the culture and literature of the Dakota people. It also gives students background in the language that enables them to work and travel in areas where Dakota is spoken and used. 

Take Dakota Courses

Advantages of Learning a Language

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  • Helps you to become a better decision-maker
  • Improves performance in other academic areas, even in those outside of the humanities
  • ...
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What Employers are Saying

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  • Bilingual employees make 5-20% more per hour than monolinguals
  • Speaking languages other than English can help send you to the top of the interview list
  • ...
What Employers Are Saying

Study Abroad

Language students are urged to acquire experience in the area in which their language is spoken, either through our programs or through study on their own initiative. 

Learn about Our Study Abroad Opportunities

Student Resources

Information on various student scholarships, language clubs/organizations, study abroad, placement exam, frequently asked questions, and more.

Learn about our program and student opportunities

Examination for Credit

The University provides an opportunity for students to obtain credit for college-level learning outside of the classroom.

Learn more about Examination for Credit

Advising

The Academic Advising Office offers academic advising to all students who are pursuing a major or minor within the College of Arts & Humanities.

Contact / Learn More about the Advising Office

Potential Career Opportunities

A second language is an invaluable asset in business, healthcare, government, research, teaching, publishing, translation/interpretation, and in the performing arts. Understanding a language and the cultures in which it is spoken is critical to the preservation and growth of our cultural, economic, and political ties with other countries.

Connect the dots in World Languages & Cultures

Upcoming College Events

More Events

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Morgan Stolpa, Spanish

“During my time... I've had many wonderful professors who have provided lessons that extend far beyond the reach of a classroom..."

Morgan's Full Testimonial

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Ashley Braun, Spanish Education

"...Studying abroad is an amazing experience and I would highly recommend it to anyone else who is interested!”

Ashley's Full Testimonial

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Jordan GeRue, Spanish

"...dedicated, intelligent professors and a well-rounded outlook that will help students regardless of their career goals..."

Jordan's Full Testimonial

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Michaela Reidell, Spanish

"...the World Languages & Cultures Department strives to create an environment for learning about a language and culture...”

Michaela's Full Testimonial

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Corinne Koffi, Spanish

“I have developed close personal relationships with every Spanish professor I have had..."

Corinne's Full Testimonial

French

More than 300 million people speak French on all five continents. It is also the most popular second language after English, and the third-most widely spoken language in the United States.

German

More than 220 million people speak German worldwide and the German program prepares its students to thrive as global citizens in a diverse world. Students acquire language proficiency and cultural competence that provide insight into the culture, literature, and history of German-speaking countries.

Scandinavian Studies

The Scandinavian Studies Program offers students an opportunity to combine Norwegian or Swedish languages with study of the greater Nordic cultural region. It provides students with a familiarity of Scandinavian heritage and history.

Spanish

Close to 500 million people speak Spanish and 20 countries have it as their official language. Spanish is the second-most spoken language in the U.S., giving you a local and a global advantage when it comes to job and business opportunities, travel, and life experiences.

Student Resources

Links to various student resources for World Languages & Cultures students.

See more

World Languages & Cultures Faculty & Staff

Faculty and staff contact information for the Department of World Languages & Cultures.

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Mankato, MN 56001
1-800-722-0544

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