Why Foreign Languages Majors Should Study Abroad
By Stephen Canfield, Ph.D.
Chair, Foreign Languages
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"Study abroad provides Foreign Languages majors with the unique chance to 'live' their majors to an extent not always available to other fields. You have an opportunity to apply directly to every aspect of your daily life what you have already learned at EIU and what you are learning through study abroad. I cannot state strongly enough how this kind of experience will change your life and your perspective on the world and yourself. You will be a more informed global citizen able to make connections between fields of knowledge that previously seemed unrelated. You will have a deeper appreciation of diversity issues. Your language proficiency will increase in an exceptional manner. Your communication skills will develop in unique and practical ways. You will gain knowledge and experience that will enhance your employment possibilities and enrich your life. The confidence you will build, the experiences you will have and the friendships you will make will remain with you for the rest of your life. Business, industry, education, social and government service are all becoming more and more culturally diverse and internationalized. Therefore success in many fields is enhanced through international experience and knowledge of other cultures. Wherever your major in Foreign Languages leads you after your years at EIU, having studied abroad will contribute to your success." |
Recommended Study Abroad Programs for Foreign Languages Majors
Argentina
Summer in Argentina
Cordoba
Summer
Spend 4 hours per day (Monday through Friday) learning Spanish, and then practice more Spanish at home with your host family, who provide you with three meals each day. Enjoy optional weekend excursions to Buenos Aires, Mendoza for rafting and wine tasting, and/or “las Sierras” La Cumbre to go horseback riding in the mountains.
Costa Rica
Veritas University
San José
Summer, Semester or Year
Your program fee (which is less expensive than a semester at EIU!) includes a full excursion package to some of Costa Rica's most well-known areas. Universidad Veritas offers small classroom sizes, so you will have plenty of attention and opportunities to use and improve your Spanish. You will also live with a Costa Rican family; not only will they help you become more quickly acquainted with Tican life but also with the language.
Ecuador
Yanapuma Foundation
Quito
Spring Break, Winter Break, or Summer
The Yanupuma Spanish School has an intensive Spanish program that includes 20 hours per week of one-on-one Spanish instruction, combined with culturally relevant excursions and interaction with local native familes. The program is based in Quito, Ecuador at the Fundacion YANAPUMA. Due to the one-on-one nature of the instruction, start dates are flexible.
Universidad San Francisco de Quito
Quito
Semester or Year
Ecuador is a fantastic country to study abroad in. It has every kind of possible adventure you can imagine, the Amazon basin, snow-capped volcanoes, amazing beaches, islands, wildlife, and incredibly rich cultures. USFQ is in a fabulous location, just 20 minutes from Quito and easy access to the whole country. USFQ offers excellent courses for people learning Spanish as a second language.
France
l'Universite Catholique de l'Ouest (CIDEF)
Angers
Summer, Semester or Year
Study French in the heart of the Loire Valley. Angers is known as the cultural and economic hub of western France. The city of Angers boasts a lively historical town center, a beautiful cathedral, a unique 12th Century fortress and the world's longest tapestry. A great number of parks, gardens and open spaces grant the city an airy and graceful touch while numerous museums, theaters and concert halls make the city a cultural center.
Institut Catholique de Paris (ILCF)
Paris
Summer, Semester or Year
Whether you are just starting to learn French or you are well advanced, the French Language and Culture Institute (ILCF Paris) is the perfect place to study French in Paris. Students come from all over the world to learn French language, culture, and civilization in a private university. ILCF is part of the Catholic Institute of Paris (ICP) and is located in the heart of Paris, near the Latin Quarter and Saint-Germain-des-Prés.
Université D'Avignon
Avignon
Summer, Semester or Year
Learn French, theatre, and art in one of the most beautiful cities of France, or if you already speak French quite well, immerse yourself in French language and culture by direct enrolling in the University.Avignon is located between the Alps and the Pyrenees mountain ranges, just 50 miles from the Mediterranean Sea.The main campus is located in the heart of the historic city centre.
Germany
Universität Lüneburg
Lueneburg
Semester or Year
Located in the state of Lower Saxony, Lüneburg not only has a rich history but a lively present. With numerous museums, theatres, cinemas, pubs, bistros, cafes, and discos, you will find plenty to do and see. Stop by the city markets on Wednesdays or Saturdays to experience the mixing of old and new in modern Lüneburg.
University of Würzburg
Würzburg
Semester or Year
Würzburg is a young old city, as the people like to say. It is an old city because of its 1400 year old history. Each day, city-goers are surrounded by cultural artifacts dating back to different epochs. Yet, the city is young because Würzburg has one of the highest concentrations of 20 to 30-year-olds in Bavaria and thousands of students come to receive their education here.
Nicaragua
Spring Break in Nicaragua (faculty-led)
Granada
Spring Break
This is a 2-credit intensive Spanish program offered over Spring Break. Students take approximately four hours of Spanish lessons each day and then practice more Spanish at home with host families. This program includes a boat ride to Las Isletas (monkey island), a visit to an elementary school, a hike up Mombacho Volcano, entrance to Masaya National park, a canopy tour, and a day at the beach.
Spain
Universidad de Salamanca
Salamanca
Summer, Semester or Year
This university has course options for all levels of Spanish speakers and students also choose how many hours of class they would like to take each day. Cursos Internacionales arranges weekend excurions and activities for its students. Salamanca is a classic, Spanish city with rich architecture and history;there is a constant flow of traffic throughout the day. Salamanca is Spain's oldest college town.
Malaca Instituto
Málaga
Summer, Semester or Year
Malaca Instituto is dedicated to helping non-native speakers learn Spanish. Its sole focus is language instruction, and it is open to people of all ages and language backgrounds. Málaga is located on the Mediterranean Sea and is a modern city with a long history. Today, Málaga is mainly a tourist city due to its moderate climate and beautiful beaches.
Find more programs in our program finder!
