Tennessee Tech University

With rapid transportation and with global communications - by satellite and by computer - the world has indeed become smaller. We hear about the "global marketplace" because more and more businesses produce goods in one country with raw materials from another -- and they sell their products in many parts of the world.

In business, education, international diplomacy, science and engineering, and communications, it is more and more important for Americans to know the language and something about the cultures of people from other countries. The obvious reasons: not everyone in the world speaks English, and we have to share the global marketplace with competitors from other countries who DO speak other languages and who ARE knowledgeable about many other cultures. Many of the jobs available when you graduate from college will require that YOU know what others know: the most important language is the language of your customer.

In a less utilitarian way, the knowledge of a foreign language is, and always has been, the sign of a truly well-educated person. The benefits, direct and indirect, are numerous. Acquiring another language is a challenging experience which can expand the horizon of one's mind and give great personal satisfaction. It makes us more intelligent, teaches us to think better, and gives us an appreciation of the world at large.

So whether you consider a foreign language as a major -- for teaching, business, or government service -- or have an interest in it for other reasons, come join us in this learning adventure.

Opportunities for Alumni

Graduates in Foreign Languages and in World Cultures and Business find fulfilling career opportunities in education, private business, and government service, including the Peace Corps. The knowledge of foreign languages also enhances the opportunities for a position in a wide range of professional fields from computer science to law enforcement to music. A foreign language definitely gives a graduate an edge. And the time is not far off when all educated Americans will be expected to know what educated citizens in the rest of the world have known for years: in an increasingly interdependent world we must know about and respect the cultures of our fellow world citizens.