World Languages and Cultures

The best experiences are in the field and Capital students have endless opportunities in local, national, and international settings. Students who want to stay in central Ohio have interned with organizations such as Community Refugee and Immigration Services (CRIS), the Columbus Symphony Orchestra, and the International Visitors Center. Capital’s affiliations with The Washington Center (Amnesty International, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Senate) allow students to look for experiences on a national level. Internship partners include the Desmond Tutu Peace Center in South Africa, the UN Development Program, Liberia, and the US Embassy in Belgium.

Capital’s World Languages and Cultures program helps students communicate competently, speaking, reading and writing in the target language, and appreciating cultural diversity. Double majors and minors are encouraged for those who want to make themselves more marketable in careers such as business, international trade, international relations, law, government and social work. Capital is also a charter university for Phi Sigma Iota, the International Foreign Language Honor Society. Phi Sigma Iota is the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages with approximately 180 chapters of Phi Sigma Iota at institutions of higher learning in the US and at American University in Paris, France.

With a degree in International Studies, students are prepared to work with international non-government organizations, social service agencies or further study in graduate or law school. Capital students begin with an international studies core of classes and then choose two areas of concentration. As part of the international studies program, students learn a second language and have the option to participate in life-changing study abroad experiences. Graduates have found fulfilling careers with organizations such as the U.S. Department of Citizenship and Immigration Services, Peace Corps, and Columbus Public Schools.

Capital’s membership in the College Consortium for International Studies (CCIS) allows students to study in 17 different countries. These programs offer a selection of courses in a target language. CCIS is a member-driven non-profit, dedicated to working collaboratively to create the most effective and relevant study abroad opportunities for students. Capital is also affiliated with Central College’s intensive language programs in Austria, France, Germany and Spain. Capital works with each student to find a study abroad experience that works for them.