Study a Language at Ohio State

Learning a new language builds intercultural competence in ways that experiences in your own language cannot. Through full-immersion language study you learn to tolerate the ambiguity resulting from not understanding every word or not being able to express yourself completely. Immersing yourself in new environments teaches you how to analyze context and messages and adapt to diverse behaviors and expectations. These and other experiences on your language learning journey contribute to the development of the attitudes, knowledge, skills and qualities necessary to interact effectively and successfully in the world.

By immersing yourself in another language and culture, you will get an insider’s perspective of another world and develop a new view of your own. As you expand your understanding of your own culture(s) you will broaden your personal horizons, thus preparing you to contribute more to your job and your community.

All 21st-century professions and careers are multicultural and global, as demographics diversify and there is increasing need for those who can communicate in different languages and understand other cultures. In the World Languages Skills and Competencies Workshop, experts in world language learning and career development assist students in crafting their resumes and interviewing skills to highlight students’ global profile.