The University of Washington is a leader in language education. The UW regularly offers robust programs covering over 45 languages, many of which are rarely taught, if at all, at other universities in the US. UW students have access to extremely talented instructors, a variety of certification and degree paths, and fun student clubs. There are many exciting interdisciplinary opportunities, in topics such as computational linguistics, international studies, business language, historical textual analysis, archaeology, cybersecurity, translation\/interpretation\/localization, and many, many, more! <\/p>\n
Where do you want to explore?<\/em><\/p>\n The UW also offers exciting study abroad opportunities.<\/a> Critical Language Scholarship Program<\/a><\/p>\n David L. Boren Graduate Fellowship <\/a><\/p>\n Fulbright Program<\/a><\/p>\n Check various department websites for language specific funding!<\/p>\n Key facts!<\/strong> The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) lists 8 competencies: NACE Career Readiness<\/a><\/p>\n All 8 are enhanced by studying a language.<\/p>\n 1. Career & Self-Development<\/strong> 2. Communication<\/strong> 3. Critical Thinking<\/strong> 4. Equity & Inclusion<\/strong> Language competencies are especially valuable for the following careers:<\/strong><\/p>\n \u201cI also study public health and believe it is really important to have some knowledge of Portuguese to facilitate communication and collaborate across nations to work in the sphere of global health.<\/blockquote> If you take an official ACTFL certified language proficiency test at UW, you have the opportunity to opt-in and have your qualifying results submitted to the Global Seal of Biliteracy<\/a> (at no cost to you as a student)! <\/p>\n In a global society where intercultural communication has become increasingly important, the Global Seal provides a unique and recognizable certification of language skills. The Global Seal of Biliteracy provides a universally<\/strong> consistent and inclusive micro-credential to increase opportunity <\/strong>for bilinguals from middle school through adulthood. The Global Seal offers three certification levels and goes beyond State Seals of Biliteracy. <\/p>\n ASL is actually doing a really interesting thing, where, for an hour each week, we go to the hub, and there’s like three different sections, and we play games and sign in ASL. And I think that’s like, I just got back from that, the first one, but I think that’s going to be really nice for also practicing language skills, but feeling like, Oh, these are people. These are my peers. And like, we’re together.<\/blockquote> \n
Are you interested in a career teaching languages? Learn more about the Graduate Certificate in Second\/Foreign Language Teaching<\/a>.<\/p>\n
\nScholarship and funding opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
\nStrengthen your career opportunities<\/strong><\/h2>\n
9 out of 10 employers surveyed reported that they rely on employees with language skills.
89% of employers in the U.S. have a need for language skills domestically (in the U.S.). It’s not just ‘international’ jobs that need multilingual people!
56% say their language demand will increase in the next 5 years.
1 in 4 U.S. employers lost business due to a lack of language skills.
(Making Languages Our Business Report, ACTFL 2019)<\/p>\n
Language learning promotes the development of lifelong learning skills. It opens up new pathways and possibilities for careers and specializations. Standout from other candidates with internationally recognized credentials (e.g., The Global Seal of Biliteracy)<\/p>\n
The competency that is arguably most related to language learning. However, by learning another language, you don’t just learn to communicate better in the second language, but also in your first language, as you develop key linguistic knowledge that is generalizable, as well as novel rhetorical styles. <\/p>\n
NACE defines critical thinking <\/em>as ‘Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information’. This skill is directly linked to language learning. Parsing a new language requires careful context analysis and logical thinking. Language courses present you with many unique and unfamiliar contexts, challenges and media to develop this skill. <\/p>\n
Learning a language opens the door to new cultures, concepts and people.
5. Leadership<\/strong>
Effective language learning involves peer teaching as well as learning.
6. Professionalism<\/strong>
Language classes provide excellent opportunities to develop your presentational, writing and cultural competencies.
7. Teamwork<\/strong>
Learning to work with others is a key factor of language classes. Also, being multi-lingual and multi-cultural is crucial for effective team cohesion in a career context as well. While the world is becoming increasing globalized, there is diversity and opportunity for collaboration in all of our communities.
8. Technology<\/strong>
Modern language learning continues to grow along with modern technologies. Many language courses offer unique project opportunities to develop and practice technological skills.<\/p>\n\n
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\nEarn the Global Seal of Biliteracy and communicate your skills to future employers <\/h3>\n
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\nExpand your worldview and intercultural competencies<\/strong><\/h2>\n
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