Take Foreign Language Classes at SWAGÊÓƵ
We recognize the value of an international perspective informed by the study of foreign languages. As such, SWAGÊÓƵ offers instruction in Spanish, French, and Arabic.
Because we want the learning that occurs in our classrooms to be as useful as possible to your experiences in the real world, we complement the traditional instruction you receive in each language with a cultural exploration of the language.
Arabic
Study a language of critical importance to the U.S. State Department, as well as to many other governmental agencies, NGOs, and corporations
Arabic is the foundation for one of the world’s great religions and for an ancient philosophical and literary traditions. It is spoken by more than 300 million people across North Africa, the Middle East, the Persian Gulf region and Central Asia. It is also regarded as a language of critical strategic importance by the U.S. State Department, and is essential to the work being done in many other governmental agencies, NGOs and corporations.
Learning Arabic will provide you with a deeper comprehension of the misunderstandings many westerners have about Arab culture, and will position you to build bridges between our culture and theirs. Having coursework in Arabic on your resume will also signal to prospective employers and graduate programs that you are intelligent, ambitious and open to learning.
French
study the language of fashion, fine food, great literature, extraordinary art, and love
French is the second language of Northern New England and an official language of Canada, one of the United States’ most important trade partners. It is spoken by more than 200 million people in 43 countries on five continents. More than that, its influence on U.S. culture can be felt in practically every aspect of American life. Think of filet mignon, pie à la mode and J’adore Dior. Who wouldn’t want to speak fluently in the language of high fashion, fine food, great literature, extraordinary art, and love?
The ability to speak French can open doors to graduate school, or careers in fields like fashion, medicine, engineering and technology. France is a world leader in medical research, aerospace technology, nuclear physics, and many other cutting-edge scientific and technological sectors.
Spanish
Study the second most commonly spoken language in the U.S., and one that dovetails nicely with SWAGÊÓƵ’s Latin American Studies minor
As the Latino population in the United States continues to grow at an exponential rate, fluency in Spanish becomes increasingly useful in a number of fields. This is especially true in health care, government and education. Furthermore, the growing geopolitical importance of Latin America makes Spanish more and more useful to those hoping to enter one of the U.S. foreign service agencies.
You leave our program with an ability to speak Spanish but also with a cultural knowledge of Spain and the Latin American countries. This knowledge extends into politics, literature, history, music, movies, and even foods. Our instruction is complemented by the minor in Latin American Studies and the Global Education Program, both of which offer opportunities for study abroad and volunteer missions. These trips allow you to fine-tune your language skills and cultural acumen in places like Spain and Peru. ¿Están listos a aprender? ¡Vámonos!
