World Languages & Cultures

Learn the language. Understand the world.

The World Languages and Cultures program at IU East is about expanding how you think, communicate, and understand the world.

Through language, culture, and global perspectives, you develop cognitive skills, gain new cultural insights, and engage with diverse ways of thinking and living.

It’s more than learning vocabulary and grammar. You will explore how language shapes identity, history, and global interactions.

Whether you pursue a major, add a minor, or begin a new language, you will build the skills and perspectives needed to engage in an increasingly interconnected world.

You’ll graduate as a confident communicator with the cultural awareness and adaptability employers value most.

Why study world languages and cultures?

Studying world languages and cultures prepares you with skills that are valuable across careers and disciplines.

Through coursework in Spanish, French, and German, you will:

  • Develop proficiency in speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
  • Strengthen critical thinking and analytical skills.
  • Engage with global cultures and contemporary social issues.
  • Build intercultural competence and adaptability.

A degree in Spanish or a minor in Spanish, cultural immersion, French, or German is one of the most versatile paths you can take. These programs prepare you for careers in fields such as business, education, healthcare, law, government, social services, and international work, while also enhancing any major you choose to pursue.

Why study world languages and cultures at IU East?

At IU East, world languages and cultures are taught as living, global practices that connect people, cultures, and ideas across regions and time.

A transatlantic perspective

Spanish courses explore Spain and Latin America, examining cultural traditions, historical developments, and contemporary social issues across the Spanish-speaking world, including the United States.

Immersive and experiential learning

Students in Spanish can participate in:

  • Study abroad in Costa Rica.
  • Immersion experiences in Puerto Rico.
  • Service learning, internships, and community-based projects.
  • Interactive coursework with native speakers.

A student-centered learning environment

Small, interactive classes (both in-person and online) allow for meaningful communication, personalized support, and active engagement with language and culture.

Meet the World Languages & Cultures faculty