University Career Center

Foreign Languages & International Studies

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Foreign Languages: The School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures offers BA degrees, as well as MA and PhD degrees, in several languages. The study of language and literature enhances your ability to understand and communicate with people of other nations and cultures, in addition to developing proficiency in reading, writing, and oral expression.

School of Languages, Literatures & Cultures website

Global & International Studies: The College of Liberal Arts & Sciences offers a BA in Global & International Studies, as well as a MA. In addition to a set of core International Studies courses, students with this major will also complete coursework in a regional expertise (Africa and the Middle East, Asia and the South Pacific, Europe, South and Central America and the Caribbean, or Russia and Eastern Europe) and coursework in a specialization (Comparative Political and Social Systems, Conflict and Cooperation, Culture, Ethnicity, and Belief Systems, or Political Economy). 

Center for Global & International Studies website

Sample of Related Skills

  • Apply reading, writing, critical thinking, and analytical skills to address significant issues in the natural and human world based on articulating one’s identity in a global context
  • Evaluate and apply diverse perspectives to complex subjects within natural and human systems in the face of multiple and even conflicting positions
  • Describe the impact of international events and systems at the regional, national, and local levels in at least one major area of the world
  • Demonstrate the skills and confidence necessary to make critical, informed evaluations and judgments about global issues, processes, trends, and policies
  • Apply an interdisciplinary methodology to provide new insight into a global issue, process, trend, or policy
  • Present a clear and concise account of a global issue, process, trend, or policy
  • Demonstrate basic proficiency in a language in addition to English 

Popular Career Paths

Business, Commerce, Trade: Uses foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work with international partners in all aspects of global business, management, banking, and trade.

Communications & Media: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to work for domestic or international employers in the areas of journalism, broadcasting media, communications, public relations, and advertising.

Foreign Relations: Works with US government agencies and international non-profit organizations to inform and enhance relations between countries through foreign diplomacy, intelligence, policy, and law.

International Development & Human Services: Works with US government agencies and non-profit organizations to develop and advocate for economic, political, and social quality-of-life issues on behalf of those living abroad and those immigrating to the US.

Research: Involves conducting research to inform educational programs, policy development, and other educational or political interests.

Teaching/Education Administration: Utilizes foreign language skills and cultural knowledge to build educational systems in developing countries, oversee educational exchange programs for students and educators, and teach language skills domestically or abroad.

Jobs to Consider

Diplomat

Economist

English or Foreign Language Instructor

Foreign Exchange Trader

Foreign Service Officer

Fundraising/Development Officer

Grant Writer

Human Rights Advocate

Immigration Specialist/Analyst

Intelligence Specialist/Analyst

International Correspondent

International Program Coordinator

International Relations Specialist

Lawyer - International, Travel, or Immigration Law

Linguist

Lobbyist

Policy Researcher/Analyst

Social Worker - Immigrant Populations

Study Abroad Coordinator

Trade Specialist

Translator/Interpreter

Travel Agent

Travel Journalist

 

Places to Seek Employment

Consulting Firms

Domestic/Foreign Banking and Financial Institutions

Domestic/Foreign Corporations

International Trade Firms

Multilateral Organizations (e.g. United Nations)

Newspaper, Magazine, and Book Publishers

Non-Profit Organizations

US Federal Government and Military

US State and Local Governments

Museums

Research Institutes and Foundations

Public/Private Schools

Travel and Hospitality Providers

TV Networks and Film Studios

 

View specific employers by state.

Employment Strategies

  1. Gain direct experience within the areas that interest you most through research projects, independent study, internships, part-time jobs, student organization involvement, or volunteering.
  2. Register for HireJayhawks.com and subscribe to the Internship Newsletter to receive automated weekly emails with specific internship information.
  3. Immerse yourself in foreign cultures though study abroad programs, international internships, volunteer programs, and/or personal travel.
  4. Seek out opportunities to interact with others of diverse nationalities and cultures to develop your language skills and intercultural competencies.
  5. If majoring in International Studies, identify global issues and foreign languages that interest you and specialize in these areas.
  6. Consider getting involved with a student organization at KU related to your areas of interest, such as: Global & International Studies Student Organization, AIESEC, Amnesty International, International Friends, KU Model United Nations, and Students for Global Awareness.
  7. Take LA&S 480: Preparing for International Careers as an elective.
  8. Complete KU's Global Awareness Program.
  9. Consider joining a professional organization related to your area of interest and, if possible, attend local and/or regional conferences to make connections with professionals working in your field.
  10. Practice interviewing on your own or by conducting a mock interview at the University Career Center. List of practice questions: ESL/TESOL (pdf), general interview (pdf).
  11. Develop your resume and tailor it to your area(s) of interest: sample resume (pdf).
  12. Maintain a strong GPA if you are considering pursuing graduate or professional school.

Job and Internship Search Resources

The quick link for this page is career.ku.edu/flis.

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