Published September 04, 2008
Written by Grace Chen
As a rising number of careers now prefer, and often require, the ability to speak multiple languages, more community colleges are integrating career-based language programs for students. These programs are designed to teach students the necessary skills and abilities to communicate and compete in the global workforce after graduation.
Community Colleges: Foreign Language Programs and Career Preparation
The Focus of Foreign Language Studies
Foreign language studies incorporate a variety of elements, skills, and disciplines of various modes of communication. As Yakima Valley Community College, located in Washington, supports, “all courses emphasize oral language acquisition. The primary goals are to have students speak and understand the spoken language.”
Most community colleges, such as Yakima, additionally include courses in conversational practices, as well as a diverse mix of academic classes with various focus topics. In addition to teaching students the language, Yakima also teaches students about a language’s cultural history and social background. As students embark on the cultural studies of their language, opportunities for internships, studying abroad, and other interactive programs are highly rated and recommended.
Durham Technical Community College
Located in Durham, North Carolina, Durham Technical Community College is another institution providing students with extensive foreign language courses to provide support for potential careers. Durham offers courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Arapahoe Community College
Arapahoe Community College, located in Littleton Colorado, is one of the many community colleges offering a wide variety of language courses to prepare students for potential career avenues. Currently, Arapahoe offers courses in American Sign Language, Arabic, Chinese, French, Japanese, Latin and Spanish.
Arapahoe’s foreign language courses are designed with the global market in mind: “The Purpose of the Foreign Language Department is to provide a learning centered environment where students can acquire or pursue successfully their foreign language education and […] to evaluate their ability to communicate in authentic situations for real-world communication within an international environment.”
Potential Career Demands for Community College Students
Spanish-English Bilingual Employees
According to statistics from the US Bureau of the Census, there is a steady rise in the number of bilingual and Spanish speaking individuals across the country.
Tampa Bay Florida, for example, is one of the many cities in the US that is facing a high demand for Spanish-English speaking workers. As the Tampa News reveals, “In 2000, of the 23 percent of Tampa residents who speak a language other than English in the home, 18 percent speak Spanish.” Of those surveyed, over 23,000 residents admitted to not being able to speak English very well. As a result, Tampa and a large number of cities across the country are in high need of Spanish and English speaking employees to help alleviate any potential communication and language barriers in the community.
As the Tampa Bay News further explains, “job applicants who are bilingual are very much in demand […] the ability to fluently speak both English and Spanish is certainly an advantage for most job applicants.”
Departments, such as a nearby Sheriff’s Office and local hospital, are two particular sectors that constantly require Spanish-speaking staff members. As Detective Rick Lewis of the greater Tampa Bay area states: “‘We are continually looking for bilingual employees […] It is very important for us to have sworn personnel who are bilingual, but also we have numerous civilian personnel with the sheriff's office where we benefit greatly if the employees are bilingual.’”
Considering that community colleges excel in healthcare and public safety programs, also strengthening your language skills can truly open career doors upon graduation.
Japanese-English Bilingual Employees
As Japanese-based companies, such as Nissan and Honda, are growing in popularity in the United States, the global job market is expanding. Today, individuals who are able to speak both Japanese and English are considered to be desirable candidates for a number of secure and high paying jobs. Potential jobs in careers that require both Japanese and English include working as a translator, sales, telecommunications officer, assistant, and company representative.
Currently, an organization known as “The Coast Community College District,” based out of California, hosts a summer study abroad opportunity for students to visit Japan. With this 2 to 4 week program, students are able to tour Tokyo and Japan while practicing communication skills, learning more of the culture, and applying classroom knowledge to real-world experiences.
The continued globalization of today’s economy prompts more community college students to consider studying a second language. By having bilingual skills, along with your degree from community college, you can significantly increase your professional opportunities and value in the job marketplace.
References:
Arapahoe Community College, available at
Ashland University, available at http://www.ashland.edu/cardev/documents/ForeignLanguage_000.pdf
Coast Community College District, available at http://www.cccd.edu
MR Japanese, available at http://www.mrjapanese.com/jobcenter.cgi?rm=list&bilingual=1
MRI Network, available at
Hall, Kenneth. “Rise in Spanish Speaking Residents,” Tampa Bay News, October 17, 2006, available at http://careerseeker.tbo.com/careerseeker/MGBY6Y3UETE.html
Rutgers University. “Career Opportunities for Majors in Foreign Languages,” available at http://careerservices.rutgers.edu/Mforeign.html
Read Related Courses in College Articles:
- Career Socialites Rejoice in Event Planning Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about how you can turn your passion for parties into a career through event planning courses at your local community college. - Graduate Early and Save Money by Testing Out of Community College Classes
Learn about how you can save thousands in tuition costs by testing out of community college classes. - The Benefits of Earning Honors Credit at Your Community College
Learn about the many benefits associated with taking honors courses at your local community college and what you should expect in these rigorous classes. - Community College Curriculum: Drastically Changed by Today's Economy
Learn about how today's economy has impacted community college curriculum, increased occupational programs, and grown specific career-preparation courses. - How a Community College Apprenticeship Improves Your Resume
Learn about the benefits of an apprenticeship during your time at community college and how it can benefit your resume and future career. - Why You Should Earn Your Teacher Certification in Community College
If you are planning on earning your teaching certificate, consider attending community college as an affordable and cost-effective way to garner your certification. - Obtaining Your Autism Teaching Certificate at Community College
Given the increasing number of diagnosed autistic children, the demand for autistic specialists grows as well. Learn about how you can specialize in autistic education by taking courses at your local community college. - How to Prepare for a Career in Electronic Health Records at Your Community College
Healthcare reforms will demand changes in healthcare facilities, including the usage of electronic health records. Learn how you can get a jump start in this field by pursuing a program at your local community college. - A Rewarding, Recession-Proof Nursing Career Starts at Community College
Nursing remains a highly rewarding career that will remain not only in demand, but recession-proof. Learn about how to begin your nursing career at community college. - Polish Your Job Candidacy with an Ethics Business Course
Learn about business ethics courses offered at community colleges and how the curriculum can enhance your job candidacy and resume. - Want to Lose Weight? How Your Community College Can Help
If you are looking to shed extra weight, your best source of support may be your community college. Learn about dieting programs, support groups, and even classes to help you get healthy. - How Community College Classes Can Improve Your Marriage
Community college workshops and credit courses are improving marriages across the country. Learn about how you can take advantage of these great resources at your local community college. - Culinary Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about highly acclaimed culinary programs at community colleges. - Calling All Entrepreneurs! How Community Colleges Can Help You Start Your Business
Learn about the courses and resources available at your community college that can help you start the business of your dreams. - Happier Families Start at Community College Parenting Courses
Your local community college is an excellent resource for free parenting classes. Take advantage of the learning opportunities and give your baby the best start in life. - Cosmetology Programs in Community Colleges
Learn about cosmetology programs in community colleges. - Should You Become a Paralegal in a Recession?
Learn about the opportunities you have to become a paralegal through community college courses, and why this is a recession-proof profession. - How to Become an Emergency Technician Quickly and Affordably
Learn about community college programs that can help you become certified as an emergency technician affordably and expeditiously. - Green Community College Programs Grow Red Hot
Learn about "green" educational opportunities in high-demand environmental fields that can start right at your local community college. - Renewable Energy Creates Opportunities for Community College Students
Learn how community colleges are evolving to provide opportunities in the growing fields of renewable energy. - Earn Your Scuba Diving Certification at Your Local Community College
Learn about how students and community members can earn their scuba certification through quality community college courses. - Fine Tune Your Vocals through Community College Singing Classes
Those with the gift of song can take their singing to the next level with classes at community college. Learn about the courses offered at community college that can help prepare you for a singing career. - From AM to FM: How Community College Can Prepare You for a Radio Career
Take advantage of career opportunities in the field of radio broadcasting by starting your training at your local community college. - How to Start Your Aquarium Science Career at Community College
If you are interested in the mysteries of the deep or marine life, consider pursuing an aquarium science career. Through innovative programs, community college students can embark upon an educational pathway in marine and aquarium based sciences. - How to Go Organic at Community College
Learn about how community colleges across the nation are offering organic gardening classes, as well as opportunities to grow your own organic crops! - Whistling All Animal Lovers! Pursuing an Animal Service Career at Community College
Learn about how courses and training at your local community college can open the doors to a fulfilling animal care and service career. - Impress the Best with Business Etiquette
Take advantage of your local community college's business etiquette courses, which can help you stand out from the candidate crowd upon graduation. - Could a Career in Welding Technology Solidify Your Financial Future?
Whether you have technical or creative skills, a career in welding technology can be rewarding and lucrative. Learn how you can start a welding career right at your local community college. - Race to Your Community Colleges New Auto Program
Take advantage of your local community college's auto program, which can prepare you for a lucrative career in the industry. In addition, you may have the potential to earn while you learn! - How to Dance Towards a College Degree
Learn about how you can pursue a rewarding dance career by starting at your local community college. Whether you are a dancer or aspire to be a choreographer, your community college may be a fantastic starting point. - A Dazzling Degree: How to Pursue Jewelry Design at Your Local Community College
Learn about the dazzling jewelry programs and certificates that are avaialble at your local community college campus. - Fashion Careers Start at Community College Runways
Learn about how you can embark upon a fashion career starting with the fashion design, merchandising and buying courses available at local community colleges. - Blast Off for Space Studies in Community College!
Learn about the space studies programs offered through community colleges that can prepare you for an engaging career with NASA or private space companies. - Sail Your Way Through Community College
Consider a career on the high seas and learn from sailing and seamanship programs available at your local community college. - How to Earn a College Degree Drinking Wine
If you enjoy wine, learn more about how you can earn a college degree in winemaking and wine tasting at your local community college. - Earn Your Film Degree At Community College
Learn about how you can pursue a degree and career in the entertainment industry by starting at your local community college. - Community College Air Force Programs
Learn more about the opportunities available through the Community College Air Force Program, and how the degrees may benefit your future service career. - Studio Art Programs at Community Colleges
Learn about the excellent traditional and modern art programs available at your local community college campus. - More than Mozart: Community College Music Programs
Learn about the new and dynamic music programs available at community colleges that explore more than just music theory. - Theater Opportunities at Community Colleges
Learn more about the powerful acting and theater programs available at your local community college. - Theology Programs in Community College: Pursuing Studies in Religion
Learn how you can pursue your career in religion and service through theology programs available through your local community college. - Why Community Colleges are Cutting Friday Classes
Learn about how budgetary constraints are prompting community colleges to only offer four-day school weeks.
All Categories:
Featured Partners:
