About
What can you do with a degree in world languages?
Discover New Perspectives. Find Your Voice.
When you study world languages, you are not just learning how to speak; you are also learning how to listen, connect, and view the world through someone else’s eyes. Language opens up more than just words; it unlocks cultures, histories, and ways of thinking that can change how you see your own world too.
Whether you are passionate about storytelling, travel, social justice, literature, or human connection, a degree in world languages allows you to explore these interests deeply. You will grow as a thinker, communicator, and global citizen, preparing you for whatever path you choose to pursue next.
Graduate study
A degree in a language is excellent preparation for graduate study, not only in the language of your choice, but also in areas such as the following:
Internships and employment
Take advantage of WMU's Career and Student Employment Services to find an internship during your studies or immediately following graduation. World Languages and Literatures' alumni have interned with large companies such as Disney, as well as institutions such as the German Parliament. Attend our internship workshop and register with Handshake through the Office of Career and Student Employment Services to learn more. It may be helpful to become acquainted with the following Michigan-based organizations:
Teach English abroad
Some of our alumni spend a year or more teaching abroad in France or Japan through the following programs:
Department activities
World Languages and Literatures' faculty are active researchers and publish in the areas of creative writing; language acquisition; linguistics; literary, theatre and film studies; textual editing; and translation.
Department activities include our refereed journal, Transference, featuring poetry translated into English and commentary on the art and process of translation.