World Languages and Cultures

What Language Class To Take

Congratulations on choosing to study a language! Follow our Language Placement Guidelines and do not forget to connect with your academic advisors and Program Coordinator. Important things to note:

• All language classes are sequential. First or Second Year sequences are offered only once a year. This means you have to start in the Fall and finish in Spring to complete a sequence. 
• All language placement is proficiency based to cut costs for students. This means you do not have to take lower level language courses if your language skills go beyond that level;
• If you are a proficient speaker of any language on the planet, you can waive your World Language Requirement - contact us for more information.

Study Abroad

World Languages partners with the International Studies and Programs Office for all our languages but ASL (and we are working on that!). Research shows that study abroad is highly beneficial for language learning, academic performance, and getting skills prized by employers. We encourage all our students to go abroad and are here to help. Things to keep in mind:

• Scholarships - support your trip with scholarships designated specifically for study abroad;
• We recommend students have at least two years of language classes before they go;
• You can go abroad for any length of time: spring break; summer session; a semester or a year;
• Spanish students at all levels can participate in a unique virtual exchange program STELLA;
• Check out more study abroad info, students' photos and testimonies from adventures abroad!

Academic Resources and Tutoring

Each of our Major programs offers peer mentoring and tutoring opportunities for all language students. 

• ASL, French and Russian Resource Centers offer weekly space in-person and online to practice language, meet with your peers, and get all your questions answered;
• Spanish and Japanese Programs have tutoring services set up through PALs in Brooks Library;
• Resource Centers and PALs hire advanced language students - contact us for more information.

Undergraduate Research and SOURCE

Interested in doing research or learning about a topic in depth? Talk to your Program Coordinator about subjects that interests you. Upper division students are encouraged to engage in research and present their findings at an annual CWU student conference SOURCE. World Languages and Cultures students have been recipients of many SOURCE awards over the years!

Spanish students can also take advantage of a unique undergraduate research opportunity to work with human subjects and conduct linguistics research with CECWA.

Student Clubs and Community Events

World Languages and Cultures hosts and sponsors many fun events for our program students throughout the year! We have Fall Open House with games and foods from around the world; International Karaoke in Winter; and our big signature event World Languages Day in Spring. We sponsor Lunar New Year celebrations with our friends in Asian Studies program, and run guest lectures and film screenings for different occasions. Follow our News and Events page to stay up to date on all the exciting events happening in our department!

There is no better way to learn than with like-minded peers! Join CWU's many student organizations to learn, grow, and have fun together. You can find most World Languages and Cultures student clubs on social media, particularly Instagram: ASL Club, AUAP (Asia University American Program), Japanese Students Association, Korean Culture Club (KCC), MECHA de CWU and more!

Alumni  

Alumni, we'd love to keep in touch with you and your travels! Check our World Languages and Cultures Alumni Spotlight feature. To keep in touch, use Alumni Submission Form to let us know what you have been doing since leaving CWU and check in on the CWU Alumni website for news and information.

Internship Opportunities

World Languages and Cultures is always looking for program students to help us with event planning, community or social media outreach. Reach out to your program coordinator to find out more. For general inquiries, click to find out about CWU current internships.

Career Placement

Find jobs in your field and receive assistance with resume building, interview skills and job search at Career Services.