World Languages
General Information

The study of another language enables you not only to gain fluency in another language, but to learn about a different culture, literature, history and society. Personal and career opportunities abound for the person who is able to communicate in another language and who is able to function in diverse environments.

Currently, EvCC offers first-year courses in French, German, Japanese, Spanish and Russian, with second-year courses in German, Spanish and Japanese. First year courses are also offered in ASL (American Sign Language), which is acceptable at a number of colleges and universities as foreign language proficiency for admission and graduation requirements.

Typically, students pursue a major in a foreign language and complete a bachelor’s degree; in some cases a master’s degree is desirable. You can enjoy the benefit of lower tuition by beginning your college study at a community college and then transferring to a university to complete your bachelor’s degree.

At EvCC, students interested in foreign languages are encouraged to pursue the Associate in Arts and Sciences - Option II. This degree meets statewide guidelines for smooth transfer to most of Washington's colleges and universities, and several in Oregon. With this degree, you will have completed most or all of the lower division, general education requirements typically required within a bachelor's degree. The complete description of this degree program, with a checklist, is provided in the Associate in Arts and Sciences Direct Transfer Guide. A specific checklist for a foreign language major is on the reverse side.

Universities identify a “language major” in several ways. We encourage you to review the catalogs of a variety of colleges and universities, looking for such majors or departments as Modern Language, Foreign Language, Classical Studies, International or Area Studies, Linguistics, or French, German, Spanish, etc. In reviewing the catalogs you will discover if special courses should be taken in the first and second year, in order to prepare for entering the major as a Junior. In many cases, first and second year courses that may be prerequisite for the major may be taken within the AAS-Option II degree plan; the checklist on the reverse side refers to those types of courses. For example, a foreign language major should complete the second year of language study by the end of the sophomore year in order to be prepared for the advanced courses in their major department. For further clarification, the advisors listed to the right can be helpful to you.

Combining studies in business, political science, education, history, human services and/or media can be a wise choice. You should also consider study or travel abroad in order to strengthen your skills and understanding. EvCC offers several study abroad programs in places such as Italy, Costa Rica, Mexico, Spain, Germany and England. Call the advisors listed to the right, or call Joy Fitzpatrick at 425-388-9220.

Special Requirements

Language Placement Tests: Placement tests in French, German or Spanish are recommended for students with prior exposure to any of these languages before enrollment. This testing takes place in Parks 308. For available times, call the testing center at 425-388-9288. For proper placement in Japanese, if you have any prior experience with the language, contact Mayumi Smith at 425-388-9380. For placement with all other world language courses, please meet directly with the instructor.

For admission, many universities require at least two years in a single foreign language at the high school level, or two quarters of a single foreign laguage at the college level. Some universities also require a third class in a foreign language as a graduation proficiency requirement and we strongly recommend that the third class be taken at the community college instead attempting it at the university. In some cases the courses taken to satisfy a proficiency requirements cannot also be used to meet a general education requirement For transfer to the University of Washington, a world language below the 221 level cannot be used to fulfill the AAS Option II Humanities requirements if the language is also used to satisfy the foreign language proficiency requirement of the university. It may, however, be studied as an elective (List A) at the 121, 122 and 123 level.

Career Options

Employment options for those with foreign language skills include federal, state and local government agencies, commercial media, international industry and commerce, as well as the travel and tourist industry, social work and human services, educational institutions and places that require the services of a translator or interpretor. Salaries vary a great deal. The median salary of teachers is about $35,000. Professionals in global trade and finance earn a median of $55,000. Average wages in the hospitality industries may start at $22,000. News correspondents average $24,000. Careers in the foreign service offer entry salaries beginning at about $33,600. (Source: Occupational Outlook Handbook)

Advanced degrees are often the preparation required to enter and maintain a career in related fields, such as teaching, research, communications, etc. Check with the Career Center, Third Floor, Parks Student Union Building, for additional information on career options and educational requirements.