If one of your educational goals is better understanding the world around you, you should consider a minor, major or double major in Modern Languages.

Taking a language is about so much more than vocabulary and grammar. It’s a path to understanding different cultures, peoples and lands. And, in many majors, such as Business, Social Work or any of the health care programs, it can really enhance your marketability to potential employers.

Modern Languages focus on language fluency and cultural understanding, covering areas such as historical perspectives, cultural context and how societal factors impact language use.

At Daemen, opportunities for learning abound, including classwork, study abroad, service learning and internships. All these components are designed to give students the fullest possible sense of the world around them.

“For me personally, it’s really important to speak multiple languages because it makes you more open minded,” Daemen University student Fabian Wilde, ‘20.

Hear more about how being multilingual can expand your horizons in our Modern Languages video.

Do you have a chance to interact and work with people from different countries, including those who speak multiple native languages?

How large are the language classes? Do the professors have regular office hours and an open door policy? Or, will you be meeting primarily with teaching assistants?

At Daemen University, language classes are small (around 15 – 25 students) and taught directly by faculty. As well, all students taking Modern Language courses work with native and heritage speakers as part of their coursework to help build linguistic fluency.

A minor is a way to stand out to potential employers and engage with a variety of topics that may interest you. For example, if you are pursuing a highly competitive path (such as medical school), it can help you differentiate yourself from other candidates.

It also can impact your compensation. At many companies a Social Worker or Physician’s Assistant who speaks Spanish and English will make more than one who just speaks English.

The possibilities for professionals who are multilingual are unlimited, including such careers as: foreign service, civil service, public relations, journalism, international marketing and business, international banking and finance, legal professions, health care careers, translation services, politics, consulting, teaching, and many more.