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    Study languages abroad

    An in-depth guide to studying languages as an international student.

    Find languages programs

    Explore languages programs abroad

    See other programs in languages

    Languages degrees abroad

    Languages degrees allow you to develop important skills like translation, interpretation and linguistics. Many universities refer to these programs as modern languages, and you can also learn about the history and culture of different countries and their languages.

    As new technologies continue to make the world smaller, the ability to communicate across national and cultural borders becomes more vital. Not only does the study of language improve communication, but it also helps us understand the cultural and historical contexts that influence how we live.

    By studying languages abroad you have the opportunity to experience new cultures that could support your studies. Learning to speak the native tongue when studying abroad is an important part of settling into your environment, something that should come naturally to a languages student.

    Languages program structure

    Languages and modern language degrees are available to study at undergraduate and postgraduate levels in countries all over the world. Most bachelor’s programs let you study up to three languages, and you can earn a BA after three or four years of studying. If you study in the US, you can choose languages as a major subject as part of a liberal arts education.

    Some universities offer languages as a single-honors program, or a joint-honors program alongside another subject like cultural studies, business or history. At postgraduate level you can study languages as an MA over two years, or as a PGCE if you want to qualify as a language teacher. You can also earn a doctorate by studying for a PhD in languages.

    Many languages programs include a year abroad where you can practice your language skills with native speakers. You will also be taught through group lectures, seminars and workshops, and assessment will be in the form of written and oral exams, translations, assignments and listening tests.

    The program content and curriculum will vary from program to program, and also be dependant on which language you choose to study. Here are some of the most common modern language modules and subjects you may study:

    • Beginners French/German/Italian/Spanish/Mandarin
    • Advanced French/German/Italian/Spanish/Mandarin
    • Exploring cultural identity
    • Researching language
    • Linguistics
    • Translation
    • Interpretation
    • World cinema
    • Cultural history

    Types of languages degrees

    Best countries to study languages

    Best universities to study languages

    See all universities offering languages programs

    How to study languages abroad

    1. University & program search

      Find the right program for you and your career aspirations

    2. Application guidance

      We'll get you to the right place to start your application

    3. Visa & travel advice

      Get help after application, all the way to your first day at university

    Our team of advisors is ready to support you at every step of your study abroad journey.
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    Languages study abroad programs

    Languages undergraduate programs

    Bachelor's in languages

    • false

      International Relations and Languages - BA (Hons) University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,608 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,500 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about International Relations and Languages
    • false

      Applied Languages - BA University of Limerick, Ireland

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,193 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 11,913 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Applied Languages
    • false

      Asian Languages (Japanese) - BA Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      29,834 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 29,834 USD

      Start date
      May, August, January
      Show program overview about Asian Languages (Japanese)
    • false

      Business Services Solutions and Languages - BBA Haaga-Helia University of Applied Sciences, Finland

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      42 months
      Annual tuition fee
      11,318 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,500 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Business Services Solutions and Languages
    • false

      World Languages - BA Stockton University, USA

      Program type
      Bachelor's
      Duration
      4 years
      Annual tuition fee
      21,605 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 21,605 USD

      Start date
      September, January
      Show program overview about World Languages
    See all bachelor's degrees in languages

    Associate in languages

    • false

      Modern Languages - AA Santiago Canyon College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      8,304 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 8,304 USD

      Start date
      August, June, February
      Show program overview about Modern Languages
    • false

      Modern Languages - AA Douglas College, Canada

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,583 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 18,000 CAD

      Start date
      September, May, January
      Show program overview about Modern Languages
    • false

      Programming Languages - AASc St. Charles Community College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      5,520 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 5,520 USD

      Start date
      January, August
      Show program overview about Programming Languages
    • false

      World Languages - AA Seattle Central College, USA

      Program type
      Associate
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      9,687 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 9,687 USD

      Start date
      September, June, April, January
      Show program overview about World Languages
    See all associate degrees in languages

    Certificate in languages

    • false

      Advanced Study in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - Cert California State University, Sacramento, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      16,800 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,800 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Advanced Study in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
    • false

      English for Speakers of Other Languages, ESOL - Cert Keiser University, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      31,120 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 31,120 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about English for Speakers of Other Languages, ESOL
    • false

      English for Speakers of Other Languages: Advanced - Cert Berkeley City College, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      7,950 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD

      Start date
      June, August, January
      Show program overview about English for Speakers of Other Languages: Advanced
    • false

      English for Speakers of Other Languages: High Intermediate - Cert Laney College, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      7,950 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 7,950 USD

      Start date
      August, June, January
      Show program overview about English for Speakers of Other Languages: High Intermediate
    • false

      Programming Languages - Cert St. Charles Community College, USA

      Program type
      Undergraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      5,520 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 5,520 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Programming Languages
    See all undergraduate certificates in languages

    Languages graduate programs

    Master's in languages

    • false

      Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - MA TESOL Arizona State University, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      15 months
      Annual tuition fee
      24,318 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 24,318 USD

      Start date
      August
      Show program overview about Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
    • false

      Clinical Speech and Language Studies - MSc Trinity College Dublin, Ireland

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      23,822 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 19,996 EUR

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Clinical Speech and Language Studies
    • false

      Education Studies and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) - MSc University of Stirling, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      22,236 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 15,950 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Education Studies and Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL)
    • false

      Languages and Applied Linguistics - MPhil University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,724 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,300 GBP

      Start date
      February, October
      Show program overview about Languages and Applied Linguistics
    • false

      Linguistics: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages - MA TESOL California State University, Long Beach, USA

      Program type
      Master's
      Duration
      2 years
      Annual tuition fee
      14,604 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 14,604 USD

      Start date
      August, January
      Show program overview about Linguistics: Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
    See all master's degrees in languages

    Doctorate in languages

    • false

      Languages and Applied Linguistics - PhD University of Portsmouth, UK

      Program type
      Doctorate
      Duration
      3 years
      Annual tuition fee
      22,724 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 16,300 GBP

      Start date
      February, October
      Show program overview about Languages and Applied Linguistics
    See all doctorates in languages

    Certificate in languages

    • false

      Secondary Modern Languages - GradCert London Metropolitan University, UK

      Program type
      Postgraduate certificate
      Duration
      1 year
      Annual tuition fee
      17,705 USD

      Fee in university's local currency 12,700 GBP

      Start date
      September
      Show program overview about Secondary Modern Languages
    See all postgraduate certificates in languages

    Future languages careers

    As a languages graduate you will have developed a variety of skills that can apply to a number of careers. Here are some of the most common roles modern language students go into:

    • Translator or interpreter
    • Language teacher
    • Journalist
    • Diplomatic service officer
    • Academic researcher

    There are plenty of other sectors like broadcasting and finance that are popular with languages graduates, so don’t limit your job search. If you don’t know exactly what you want to do with your degree after graduation, use the university’s careers service to help you.

    You can improve your employability by taking advantage of university clubs and organizations. Studying abroad is also a great way to improve your CV as it shows employers you’re willing to step out of your comfort zone and embrace new experiences.