After Graduation

"One language sets you in a corridor for life. Two languages open every door along the way." – Frank Smith, psycholinguist

By studying a second (or third) language, our students are better-prepared for successful careers in many fields. Many of our students choose a language as their second major or as a minor, complementing their chosen field of study with language skills and travel experience that make them more appealing to employers and let them contribute in unique ways. Language students are better prepared to work abroad and better equipped to work with diverse populations here in the U.S.

Our language students have the world at their fingertips: possessing fluency in a second language is seen as a major advantage for many companies during your job search. As our global economy becomes more accessible, opportunities abound for workers who can communicate in different languages and understand other cultures. No matter your career path — and trust us, there are countless options — language learning is a tangible way to serve others, and employers will see you as a bridge to new clients and customers.

Studying a second language often opens doors to unique career and postgraduate opportunities after your time at Hope. For example:

French

Many French majors have joined the Peace Corps after graduation. Visit their website and contact a recruiter to learn more about opportunities available.

German

Fulbright

Apply to study for a year in Germany or Austria, or for a travel grant to Germany to support another scholarship. Contact Professor Forester if interested.

Deadline: late September each year.

Fulbright Teaching Assistant

Spend a year in Austria teaching English for 15 hours/week. A number of our students have done this program (including Professor Forester, who spent two years in Vienna on this program as a student.)

Deadline: early February.

For more information about the Fulbright scholarship, visit the Fulbright Scholar Program website.

Congress-Bundestag Youth Exchange for Young Professionals

Spend a year in Germany, most expenses paid. You’ll take two months of German courses, four months of technical training and five months working in an internship. While it's designed primarily for students in technical fields, it's flexible. This is an excellent program and the acceptance rate is fairly high.

Japanese

Japanese Language Proficiency Test

This test is the only official test for evaluating and certifying the language proficiency of non-native speakers. You have only one chance per year to take this test, so please plan accordingly. If you want to use your Japanese language skills professionally, it’s good idea to sign up. For more information, visit the Japan Foundation.

Jet Program

The Jet Program is the one of the best programs for anyone who wants to work and live in Japan. As part of the program, you’ll be placed in a Japanese city teaching English courses in public junior high and high schools. You’ll work closely with native Japanese English teachers and you will be compensated.

Mandarin Chinese

CLS – Chinese

The Critical Language Scholarship Program is a program of the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. It is a fully-funded overseas intensive language and cultural immersion program for American undergraduate and graduate students. Find more information online.

HSK Test (Chinese Language Proficiency test)

This test is an international standardized exam which tests and rates Chinese language proficiency. You are highly encouraged to sign up for this test if you plan to professionally use your Chinese language skills. You are required to take this test if you plan to apply for a scholarship to study in China.

TOCFL (Test of Chinese as a Foreign Language)

This test is Taiwan's national standardized test designed to evaluate and certify the Chinese language proficiency of non-native speaker. You are highly encouraged to sign up for this test if you plan to apply for a scholarship to study in Taiwan.