Message from the Chair
Welcome to the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature
Expand your world. Build valuable career skills. Discover new cultures.
Whether you're interested in majoring in a world language or adding international expertise to another field of study, the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville offers the knowledge, experiences, and support to help you succeed.
Our department offers coursework and programs in the following world languages:
- Spanish
- French
- German
- American Sign Language
- Italian
- Ukranian
Students explore language alongside the literature, history, and cultures that bring it to life. Courses are taught in the target language whenever appropriate, providing an immersive learning experience that builds real-world communication skills.
This year, we are especially proud to offer instruction in critical languages such Ukranian language and culture taught by a visiting Fulbright scholar, bringing international perspectives directly into the classroom.
Personalized Learning, Exceptional Faculty
Our faculty members are accomplished scholars and dedicated educators who have trained at leading universities in the United States and around the world. More importantly, they are committed mentors who invest in every student's success.
Because of our close-knit department, you'll never be just another face in the classroom. Faculty work closely with majors and minors throughout their academic journey, providing individualized guidance, research opportunities, and mentorship. This personalized approach is especially valuable during the senior capstone project—an experience that has helped earn SIUE national recognition for undergraduate education.
Opportunities Beyond the Classroom
Language learning extends far beyond textbooks. Students have access to our state-of-the-art Facilitated Languages and Tutoring Center (FLTC), featuring online learning resources, multimedia materials, films, board games, and language-learning technologies designed to strengthen communication skills and enriching their cultural competence.
Students can also enrich their education through:
- Study abroad programs around the world
- Weekly conversation hours in target languages
- Engage with student clubs such as the Culture and Language Club (CLC), the Spanish Club, the German Club, the French Club, and more
- International and cultural events throughout the academic year such as the Spanish Language Film Festival and Hispanic Heritage Month Pulsera Sale
- Become an Honor Society Member of Sigma Delta Pi
Flexible Programs for Every Career Path
In today's interconnected world, language proficiency is a powerful asset in virtually every profession. Whether you aspire to become an engineer, healthcare professional, educator, scientist, entrepreneur, or artist, combining a world language with your major will strengthen your communication skills, expand your cultural awareness, and prepare you to work confidently in diverse communities and global environments.
Our programs are designed to complement a wide range of academic disciplines across SIUE, allowing students to customize their education and broaden their career opportunities. Many students also choose to pursue a double major or add a language minor alongside their primary field of study. If you have previous experience in a world language, our Placement/Proficiency Exam may allow you to earn up to 16 credit hours, making it easier to begin at an advanced level, complete multiple programs of study, or graduate ahead of schedule.
Students frequently pair language study with majors such as:
- K-12 Language Education: Through our partnership with SIUE's School of Education, students can earn teacher licensure while developing the linguistic and cultural expertise needed to become outstanding world language educators.
- International Studies: Gain a deeper understanding of global politics, diplomacy, international development, and cross-cultural communication. Language proficiency provides a critical advantage for careers in government, international organizations, nonprofits, and foreign service.
- International Business: Global companies seek professionals who can communicate across cultures and international markets. Combining language study with business prepares students for careers in international trade, marketing, finance, supply chain management, consulting, and multinational corporations.
- Engineering and Technology: Engineers increasingly collaborate with international teams, suppliers, and clients. Knowledge of another language enhances opportunities in global manufacturing, research, project management, and engineering firms operating around the world.
- Nursing, Pharmacy, and Healthcare Professions: Effective patient care depends on communication and cultural understanding. Language proficiency helps future nurses, pharmacists, physicians, and other healthcare professionals better serve multilingual communities, improve patient outcomes, and excel in today's diverse healthcare settings.
- Biological Sciences and Environmental Sciences: Students pursuing careers in biology, medicine, ecology, conservation, or biomedical research benefit from opportunities to collaborate internationally, participate in global research initiatives, and communicate scientific findings across cultures.
- Art, Design, Theatre, and Music: Language and culture enrich artistic expression. Students in the visual and performing arts gain valuable perspectives through the study of world cultures, literature, and international artistic traditions while expanding opportunities for collaboration, performance, and creative work abroad.
- History, Political Science, Criminal Justice, Psychology, Sociology, Social Work and Communication: Language study provides cultural insight and communication skills that strengthen careers in public service, law, public policy, journalism, counseling, and community engagement.
No matter your career path, multilingualism is more than a résumé booster—it is a professional advantage. Employers consistently value graduates who can communicate across cultures, think globally, adapt to diverse environments, and build meaningful connections in an increasingly international workforce.
Join Our Global Community
At SIUE, learning a language means more than mastering vocabulary and grammar. It means developing cultural understanding, building meaningful connections, and preparing for opportunities around the world.
We invite you to explore everything the Department of Foreign Languages and Literature has to offer. If you have questions about our programs, faculty, or opportunities, we'd be delighted to hear from you.
Heidy Cuervo, FLL Department Chair
