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  Bank of America
Career Services Center

University of Delaware
401 Academy Street
Newark, DE 19716
Phone: 302.831.2392
Fax: 302.831.1452
udcareers@udel.edu


Major Resource Kit

Foreign Languages & Literature

The world is tied together by many bonds--economic, diplomatic and human--and because of technological advances in transportation and communication, an increasing number of Americans rely on the knowledge of a foreign language. Concentrated study of the languages and cultures of other nations contributes significantly to the improvement of international relations.

The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures offers majors in Ancient Greek and Roman Studies, French Studies, German Studies, Italian Studies, Russian Studies, Spanish Studies, and Three Languages; teaching majors in Latin, French, German, Italian, and Spanish; and joint majors with the Departments of History and Political Science. It also collaborates with other departments to offer three interdisciplinary area studies majors: Continental European Studies, East Asian Studies, and Latin American Studies. The curruicular emphasis for undergraduates is placed on competence in a foreign language along with knowledge and appreciation of the civilization, culture, and literature of the peoples concerned. The Department sponsors study abroad programs in France, Germany, Italy, Costa Rica, Cuba, Martinique, Mexico, Argentina, Brazil, Ecuador, China, and Japan.

Employment possibilities for foreign language majors include the many positions available to humanities students in any field. For bilinguals there are openings in foreign countries as well as in the United States. Graduates have found jobs in teaching, translating, foreign diplomacy, foreign correspondence, travel agencies, international airlines, import-export work, international corporations, and in agencies of the federal government. Foreign language competence is an asset to urban workers in social work, public health, and law enforcement. While graduates with skills and backgrounds only in foreign languages may encounter keen competition for jobs, as a supplement to other skills the knowledge of a foreign language is a valuable professional commodity.

Interested students are encouraged to stop by the department offices at 325 and 326 Smith Hall, or to call 831-2592 or 831-6852.

Sample Job Titles

Bachelor's Degree/Entry Level Further Education/Experience Often Required
*teacher *translator
*guide *linguist
*international trade economist *interpreter
*foreign service officer *speech pathologist
*foreign correspondent *foreign social worker
*international banking officer *bilingual education

Check the Dictionary of Occupational Titles under section 137 for additional related careers.

Enhancing Employability

- Participate in the Alumni Mentor Program.
-
Sample UD Field Experiences: Latin American Community Center, CITE of Delaware, Delaware Development Office /World Trade Section

Some Employers of Foreign Language Majors

*schools            
* state/federal government
* colleges/universities * airlines
* travel/tourism agencies
* media * museums
* business and banks * hotels

Other Sources of Information

American Society of Interpreters             
P. O. Box 9603                               
Washington, DC  20016                        
(703) 998-8636                               

American Translators Association
www.atanet.org

Foundation for International Human Relations
P. O. Box 18206
Washington, DC 20036
(202) 659-5552 Jobs in Japan www.jobsinjapan.com LatPro www.latpro.com National Association for Bilingual Education www.nabe.org OneSmallPlanet.com www.onesmallplanet.com Opportunities in Public Affairs (User Name: udel; Password: bluehens) www.brubach.com/opawebversion3/opa.htm OverseasJobs.com www.overseasjobs.com Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) www.tesol.org The Riley Guide www.rileyguide.com U.S. State Dept. www.state.gov/employment/

Resources for Finding Employment

University of Delaware Career Resource Center Materials Available

  • Careers in International Business (CSE 100)
  • Great Jobs for Foreign Language Majors (CSE 263)
  • Careers for Foreign Language Aficionados & Other Multilingual Types (CSE 264)
  • Opportunities in Foreign Language Careers (CSE 265)
  • Careers for People on the Move & Other Road Warriors (CSE 394)
  • Career Opportunities in the Travel Industry (CSE 397)
  • Jobs for People Who Love to Travel (CSE 398)
  • Careers in Focus - Travel & Hospitality (CSE 401)
  • Top Careers for Liberal Arts Graduates (CSE 559)
  • Liberal Arts Jobs (CSE 561)
  • Careers for Extroverts & Other Gregarious Types (CSE 590)
  • Careers for Talkative Types & Others With the Gift of Gab (CSE 593)
  • The Directory of Websites for International Jobs (GD 125)
  • How to Get a Job in Europe (GD 131)
  • Work Your Way Around the World (GD 155)
  • Directory of Jobs and Careers Abroad (GD 179)
  • International Job Finder (GD 181)
  • Going Global (GD 182 & 183)
  • www.udel.edu/CSC/netresources.html CSC's Internet Resources

Further information including: Skills to Develop, Strategies for Contacting Employers, Graduate School Information and where to get assistance is available in the CAREER RESOURCE CENTER located at 401 Academy Street.


Last updated: November 8, 2007 (CH)