Careers
A national critical shortage of foreign-language teachers means students should consider combining this major with the teacher education program for a rewarding, in-demand career opportunity.
Additional careers in language include diplomat, immigration and customs inspector or lawyer, airline assistant, interpreter, translator and media specialist.
Hands-On Learning
Internship and service learning opportunities include:
- Lutheran Social Services (LSS) Center for New Americans
- Multi-Cultural Center of Sioux Falls
- Active Generations
- Pueblo de Dios Lutheran Church
- Avera or Sanford Health
- Make-A-Wish Foundation
Students have the option to assemble a senior portfolio to document and self-assess their progress in the target language.
The majority of language majors spend at least one January Interim (J-Term) or semester abroad. The department strongly encourages a semester, summer or year of study abroad to complement students' foreign language education.
Students study away in:
- Cuba — focusing on race, gender and revolution with AU faculty
- Spain — at the Universidad de Sevilla
- San Jose, Costa Rica — at Universidad Veritas
- Grenoble, Rennes, or Paris, France
- Canada — at the Université du Québec à Chicoutimi
- Germany — at the University of Potsdam
Courses & Organizations
Languages, literatures & cultures majors take courses through the advanced level in a primary language and through the intermediate level in a secondary language. Prior experience in the language is not required, but for those with prior knowledge, foreign language test-out and spoken placement exams are available.
The department encourages students to combine their major in business administration, economics, education, English, government & international affairs, history, journalism, nursing, psychology or sociology with a second major or minor in a language to expand their career options.
Students can choose to study these areas:
- French
- Spanish
- A specially approved language
Students often participate in:
- La Unión Hispana
- Augustana International Club
