Foreign Languages

Intensive study of a language is an integral part of a well-rounded liberal arts education. In addition to broadening your understanding of other cultures, it allows you to develop your intellectual and creative abilities and find your place as a global citizen in an increasingly interconnected world. Studying languages provides cognitive benefits as well—sharpening problem solving abilities, developing critical thinking and writing skills and expanding the vocabulary.

Graduates have gone on to obtain Fulbrights, attend medical and law school, teach English in Spain, France and China, as well as teach in primary and secondary schools, and work for national and international companies where they use their second language skills.

Jeremy Paden, associate professor of Spanish

Knowledge of a second language is a valuable asset. Language fluency helps students qualify for many positions, particularly when it is combined with other marketable skills in business, economics, computer science or political science.

At Transylvania, foreign language students take courses in conversation, composition, cultural history, contemporary society, literature and film. Many students participate in study abroad programs to improve language skills and experience another culture.

Transylvania offers instruction in ancient Greek, Chinese, French, German, Latin and Spanish. Students can major or minor in classics, French, German studies and Spanish. Chinese language currently has a minor program, but students can self-design a Chinese major.