Why Study Languages? | College of Arts

Why Study Languages?

Classical Studies and a Career

An Honours B.A. degree in Classics is a professional requirement for teaching Latin (or Greek or Classics) at high school or undertaking graduate study in Classics. An honours degree in Classics at Guelph (provided it includes an extensive component of Greek and Latin) will gain admission to most Canadian graduate programs in Classics.

For those considering further studies, a reading knowledge of Greek or Latin is either required or preferred by graduate programs which address the ancient period in Art, History, Philosophy and Religious Studies. Aspirantes to the religious ministry in the Christian tradition will find a knowledge of Greek and Latin desirable for the study of scripture and theology.

European Studies and a Career

  • The European Studies Program prepares its graduates for positions (among others) in the fields of:
  • Customs and Immigration
  • Diplomatic/Foreign Service
  • International Business/Management, Trade and Commerce
  • Journalism
  • Municipal and Regional Government
  • Public Relations
  • Tourism and Hospitality

French Studies and a Career

The French Studies Program prepares its graduates for positions (among others) in the fields of:

  • Customs and Immigration
  • Diplomatic/Foreign Service
  • Teaching French
  • Translation
  • International Business/Management, Trade and Commerce
  • Journalism
  • Municipal, Regional, Provincial and Federal Government
  • Public Relations
  • Tourism and Hospitality

German Studies and a Career

  • Foreign Service
  • International Trade and Commerce
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations
  • Teaching German in high schools
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Translation
  • Business and International Administration

with the achievement of economic integration, the European Union is the biggest market in the Western World, and Germany has the largest economy in the EU the European Union is Canada’s second most important partner in business and trade, and the second biggest investor in Canada.

Canada and the European Union collaborate in many joint ventures, in diplomacy, research, world security, justice, northern development etc.

Spanish and Hispanic Studies and a Career

Graduates of Spanish and Hispanic Studies pursue careers in university and high school teaching, in the tourism and hospitality industries, in international import and export, in diplomatic services, in immigration services, in journalism, in translation, and in other fields. Students are also encouraged to combine their program in Spanish and Hispanic Studies with a major or a minor in another program such as History, Fine Art, International Development, Political Science, other language and literature programs. They may also create a challenging undergraduate study by combining Spanish and Hispanics Studies with the applied and natural sciences.

Italian Studies and a Career

  • Foreign Service
  • International Trade and Commerce
  • Journalism
  • Public Relations
  • Teaching Italian in high schools
  • Tourism and Hospitality
  • Translation