World Languages and Literatures
CAREER IDEAS
Anti-Terrorism Intelligence Agent, Attorney, Bi-lingual Technical Writer, Broadcast News Analyst, Business Professional, College Administrator, Cultural Affairs Manager, Diplomat, Editor, FBI/CIA Agent, Financial Analyst, Foreign Language Translator, Foreign Services Officer, Foreign Student Advisor, Global Human Resources, Human Resources, Intelligence Specialist, International Development, Interpreter, Language Teacher, Lawyer, Museum Curator, Non-Profit Director, Peace Corps Worker, Tourism Industry, Translator, Travel Agent, Travel Writer, Writer/Author
As our world grows more connected every day, learning another language is the ticket to traversing boundaries, understanding other peoples and cultures, and becoming knowledgeable world citizens. Creating leaders for the global community is part of the fabric of a Manhattanville education and learning a second language is an important part of that journey. Mastery of another language also opens doors to careers in education, finance, government, journalism, law, media, marketing, and more.
Knowledge of a second language at least up to the introductory level is part of the General Education curriculum at Manhattanville College. Beyond the introductory level, we offer intermediate and advanced level courses in language, literature and culture. We also offer some language courses in English translation.
Language instruction is available in French, Italian, and Spanish. Students can major in Spanish, and minor in French, Italian, Spanish, and Latin American Studies. Students can also self-design a major in Italian.
- Language Placement Exams: Manhattanville offers language placement exams in French, Italian, and Spanish. If you have any background in these languages, you are required to take the placement exam. International students who have a TOEFL score of 80 of higher, or an IELTS score of 6.5 or higher, are exempt from the general education second language requirement.
Language placement exams are now on Blackboard. They will be made available at certain times during the academic year. For Instructions to access the placement exams on Blackboard click here.
Here are the dates when students can take the placement in French, Italian and Spanish during spring 2022:
Thursday, January 20, 3-4 p.m., Brownson Hall, Room 115
Monday, January 24, 3-4 p.m., Brownson Hall, Room 115
Thursday, March 24, 3-4 p.m., Brownson Hall, Room 115
Monday, March 28, 3-4 p.m., Brownson Hall, Room 115
Please contact Professor María José Luján at mariajose.lujan@mville.edu, if you want to sign up to take the exam on the dates listed above.
Learning a language in a classroom setting is one thing, but putting it to work in real life is the best way to get the lessons to stick. At Manhattanville College you will get a chance to use a second language and to appreciate other cultures through guest lectures, cultural events, and trips to exciting cultural destinations in New York City and other nearby communities.
To further develop your language skills, Manhattanville College offers a variety of study abroad opportunities. If you want to improve your French-language skills, Manhattanville has an exchange program with the University Paul Valéry in Montpellier, France. For more on study abroad opportunities, please contact, the Office of International Students and Study Abroad (OISS) at studyabroad@mville.edu or stop by the office in Founders Hall.
Alessandro Daniele—Italian
María José Luján -Spanish and Latin American Studies
Binita Mehta—French
Carolina Rodriguez - Spanish
“Studying French and Japanese at Manhattanville College have proven to be the most invaluable assets to my professional career. At no other point in history has learning another language been more useful than it is today. I am confident that my language skills will help me tackle the challenges of tomorrow.”
-Karina M. Edouard ‘15 (INS major/French minor)
“Taking French at Manhattanville allowed me to continue to enrich my knowledge of a language I started learning when I was six and to foster my passion for French culture. I will never forget the first time I sat through a French class at Mville my freshman year and afterwards, I realized the entire class had been taught in French and I didn’t miss a thing! I wish everyone understood the value in bilingualism – to expose oneself to another language and culture is an amazing opportunity.”
-Jacqueline Just ‘15 (Psychology major/French minor)
"As part of the executive team at my organization I have been privileged to sit in on the hiring process. I can say without a doubt the deciding factor between applications of similar strength is usually language skills. Degrees, GPA, even schools are all relative and can be compared and contrasted. Language skills however, is either something you have or you do not. In an increasingly multicultural global, and more importantly domestic arena; companies and organizations need to engage across language barriers to survive. When you can bring that to the table you become an invaluable asset regardless of the industry."
- Andreas Argeros '13 (INS major/German minor)
"My love for French cinema prompted me to take an introductory French class during my freshman year at Manhattanville, a spontaneous decision that led me to minor in the subject and to further explore the multifaceted Francophone culture. Besides French, I have also studied English as well as Japanese and my enthusiasm for languages has not only opened up valuable learning horizons but also exciting career opportunities. If not for those classes, I’d never be able to appreciate the joy of watching French films without subtitles!"
- Phuong Le '16 (Communication Studies and Film Studies double major/French minor)
TintaExtinta is the Spanish Literary Magazine published by students in Spanish and Latin American Studies in the Department of World Languages and Literatures.
Students are welcome to submit fiction, poetry, and essays in Spanish, or photography related to the Spanish-speaking world. A short paragraph in English describing the pieces should be sent along with each submission. Please send in your work to revtintaextinta@gmail.com or contact Professor Lujan at mariajose.lujan@mville.edu
Please click on links below to access issues of TintaExtinta