Not only will you broaden your horizons by being able to speak conversationally in a second language, but the skills you learn in the process are proven to help in many other areas of study.

Whether you choose to major or minor in a classical or modern language, you immediately give yourself an advantage over many of your peers: the ability to communicate effectively across cultures and become a bridge-builder for your future organization.

Matthew M. Internship in Gunzenhausen (Germany)

Katelyn K. A Year in Paris, France (French)

Madison M. Vienna Summer School, Austria (German)

Janna K. A Year in Japan (Japanese)

David L. A Semester in Tunisia (French/Arabic)

Erica R. A Year in Beijing, China (Mandarin)

Colin W. A Semester in Salamanca, Spain (Spanish)

Audrey R. Travels in Xi'an, China (Mandarin)

Languages

Classics

Our classics program is unique in our department in that it focuses on a combination of major and minor courses in ancient languages and a focus on the ancient world, which could mean history, philosophy, political science, art or theater. We study ancient civilizations along the Mediterranean Sea, with a special emphasis on Greece and Rome — placing you in direct contact with the major sources of Western civilization (both Christian and non-Christian).

French

If you're hoping to work in global business, learning French can be a major plus on your resumé — it's the second most important language for business. Plus, the language is spoken on five continents and regions in the world (Europe, Africa, Asia, the Middle East and North America). We offer French as both a major and minor. Consult one of our faculty members for ideas on how to double major.

German

Studying German at Hope gives you an opportunity to learn about this strong economic power and influential partner in the European Union. Withconversation hours, opportunities ininternshipsandafter graduationprograms, and a strong love of German card games, our German department offers much to students interested in pursuing either a major or a minor.

Japanese

The connection of Japanese culture and Hope College is a long one: one-third of Hope's 1872 graduating class was international students from Japan! Since then, we've built a strong program for our students seeking to learn the language and culture of a country we're so connected with. We offer Japanese as both a major and minor, and can guide you to opportunitiesafter graduation.

Mandarin

Our Chinese department is designed for students who want to develop their knowledge of Chinese politics, economy, history and archaeology. If you're hoping to work in global business, learning Mandarin is one of the smartest decisions you can make, as it's routinely named the "most useful business language" in the world after English. We offer minor programs for Mandarin.

Spanish

Spanish is the second most-spoken language in the United States. By learning the language, you open up doors to an entire population and have the opportunity to participate on a local, state, national and international level. Our Spanish department is very active: fromconversation hoursto ourSpanish House, we offer many opportunities to study the language outside of the classroom. Spanish is offered as a major and minor.

Why Major in a Second Language?

由于我们的课程强调对话语言技能，霍普大学的语言专业学生将帮助你与人交流，并在你从未有过的情况下进行交流。学习第二语言能让你深入了解更丰富的人类经验。此外，研究表明，通过增强认知和分析技能，第二语言有助于智力发展。

Even while you’re a student, studying and learning a second language opens new doors. Through ourspecial programs and opportunities比如对话时间、语言教室、外国电影俱乐部和讲座，我们可以让你体验正在学习的文化，就在霍普。Knowing a second language also gives you an advantage while traveling and studying abroad. We encourage language majors and minors tostudy off-campusfor a semester, year or summer while at Hope.

Language majors enjoy many unique opportunitiesafter graduationas well. Possessing fluency in a second language is seen as a major advantage for many companies during your job search.