Expand Your World – One Language and Culture at a Time
Ready to take your language skills and global awareness to the next level? The Certificate in Language and International Experience offers a pathway to deepen your understanding of languages and cultures, enhance your intercultural competence, and sharpen your critical thinking.
This certificate provides an entry point between the modern language requirements and more advanced studies such as a French, German or Spanish minor, or even a major in Global Languages and Cultural Studies, or Spanish. This program will inspire you to go beyond the standard two introductory language courses, providing a structured and rewarding route to a valuable credential that includes an unforgettable study abroad experience.
What skills will you gain from this certificate program?
Learning a new language is a gateway to boosting your current skills and cultivating new ones. In this program, you can expect to:
- Improve your practical and functional command of a second language.
- Heighten your ability to navigate and thrive in different cultural contexts.
- Grow your capacity to adjust to new environments, solve problems independently and embrace unexpected challenges with confidence.
- Strengthen your communication and decision-making skills, which can lead to increased job opportunities and global readiness, and in many cases, a higher salary.
Explore Details About the Language and International Experience Certificate
In addition to the following 9 hours of certificate requirements with a grade of B- or higher, students must satisfy all General Requirements for a Certificate (page 50 of Undergraduate Bulletin) to be eligible to complete this certificate. A minimum of 6 hours must be completed in residence.
Required Courses
- 3 Spanish courses at the 2000 level or above (9 hours total) in the target language, depending on placement test.
OR - 3 French courses at the 2000 level or above (9 hours total) in the target language, depending on placement test.
OR - 3 German courses at the 2000 level or above (9 hours total) in the target language, depending on placement test
OR - 3 Japanese courses at the 2000 level or above (9 hours total) in the target language, in consultation with the Japanese instructor. Students who do not receive 3 hours of Japanese language credit from studying abroad in Japan will consult with the department chair about transferring university credits from another institution, as St. Edward’s currently does not offer a course beyond JAPN 2312.
For course descriptions, view the current Undergraduate Bulletin (PDF) (page 169).
Required Study Abroad Experience
Participation in any accredited university study abroad program (semester, summer or embedded) in a country of the target language selected for the required certificate courses. All students will be required to complete a Final Reflection Project in consultation with the faculty of the Department of Languages, Literatures and Cultures.
Upon completion of the Certificate in Languages and International Experience, students will be able to:
- Communicate effectively in a second language at an intermediate level (or higher for those who have a background in the target language), demonstrating enhanced linguistic proficiency beyond foundational requirements.
- Apply cross-cultural understanding and communication skills to navigate diverse environments and interactions, fostering global competence.
- Demonstrate increased self-reliance, adaptability and an open-minded approach to unfamiliar situations, developed through international experience.
- Pursue global engagement and professional opportunities that require intermediate language proficiency.
The rising demand for bilingual and multilingual talent is at an all-time high across numerous industries. A 2019 survey among U.S. employers conducted by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) revealed that:
- 9 out of 10 employers rely on employees who can speak languages other than English.
- 56% reported that their demand for bi/multilingual speakers will increase in the next five years.
- 1 in 3 reported a language skills gap.
- 1 in 4 has lost business due to a lack of foreign language skills.
At St. Edward’s, our faculty are outstanding scholars, thought leaders, teachers and mentors who bring energy and enthusiasm to our vibrant learning community. They take pride in getting to know you, helping you achieve your goals and celebrating your successes.
View a list of our faculty members and their contact information on the Department of Languages, Literature and Cultures webpage.