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Foreign Language
If you get excited about other languages and cultures, don’t miss the opportunity to earn a foreign language major at Dordt. Sure, being bilingual can lead to jobs as a translator. But it can also benefit you in nearly any industry or career you pursue. From healthcare to education, business to human resources, knowing foreign languages and understanding other cultures can set you apart in the professional world.
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Program Overview
Dordt offers numerous foreign language options to study. You can major or minor in Spanish or Dutch. You can minor in French, take Latin classes, or study interdisciplinary linguistics, which incorporates a variety of languages and classes. As you study, you’ll learn about other cultures and people from different backgrounds.
Dordt also offers unique study abroad opportunities, clubs and special activities, and tutoring and practice sessions to help you master the nuances of language.
Just as important, learning about another culture helps you to learn how to love your neighbor as yourself. Our foreign language classes incorporate an appreciation for the diversity of people as God’s creation.
What can I do with a degree in language studies from Dordt University?
In our increasingly cross-cultural, global society, the language studies program encourages linguistic and cultural-diversity training of all Dordt students. Students develop various language skills and better understand foreign cultures. Many of our students double major so they can pair their foreign language skills with another career field that interests them. From finance to manufacturing to marketing and beyond, a foreign language can increase your value as an employee in nearly any industry.
Interpreter
Interpreters translate information from one language to another.
Foreign Service Officer
Foreign Service Officers help manage the economic and political relations with a specific country.
Translator
A Translator helps to interpret written language into another language.
Career Preparation
Dordt University's 2023 Career Outcome Rate was 99.4%! “This data point tells us that Dordt graduates are prepared for the careers of their choosing,” said Amy Westra, director of Career Development. “A Dordt education provides students with industry-relevant courses and connections that make a difference.”
Language Studies Major
- Several opportunities for Spanish-English interpretation are available in the community.
- Students Without Borders club provides opportunities for students to interact with their peers from other cultures.
- On Sundays, some students visit and participate in Amistad Cristiana, a Spanish-speaking church in Sioux Center, where their skills grow as they speak with congregation members.
Dordt offers numerous foreign language options to study. You can major or minor in Spanish or Dutch. You can minor in French, take Latin classes, or study interdisciplinary linguistics, which incorporates a variety of languages and classes. As you study, you’ll learn about other cultures and people from different backgrounds.
Ready to take the next step?
Faculty
With experience in a variety of fields, our faculty members are equipped and ready to help you succeed.
Student Stories
Dordt students and alumni use their gifts to make a difference in the world. Check out their stories to see how Defender Nation lives out our mission to work effectively toward Christ-centered renewal in all aspects of contemporary life.
Embracing Opportunities
Georgia Lodewyk“It seems like, if you go to a bigger school, you have to pick your one thing,” says Georgia Lodewyk. “But, since Dordt is a small university, I’ve been able to be involved in many different things.”
Georgia Lodewyk
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Living Out "Soli Deo Gloria"
Mark BakkerDespite his injury freshman year, Mark was able to lean on the relationships and culture of Dordt that were built up around him and further grow his faith.
Mark Bakker
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Success through Support
Elyse TavaryDordt's community provided Elyse with the support and resources she needed to overcome the challenges she faced in college and give her the confidence, experience, and knowledge to be better prepared for her future.
Elyse Tavary
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Still looking for the right fit? Here are some additional program options that we think might interest you or are often paired with this program. You can also view the programs page to keep exploring your options.