In What Ways Can I Help?

          Foreign Languages

The study of foreign languages has been at the heart of a humanities education for centuries, and it remains an essential part of the liberal arts curriculum at West Virginia University. It is an important component of the intellectual and practical preparation for the thousands of students who come to our Department, whether they be foreign language majors or minors or are studying other fields. In addition, the Department of Foreign Languages is deeply involved in supporting foreign language teachers throughout the State of West Virginia.

The ability to communicate in a language other than English and to comprehend. appreciate, and relate to other cultures has become more important than ever because of the interconnected nature of our world today. People who have access to the language, attitudes, and perspectives of people from other countries are poised to succeed in a wide variety of endeavors, including business, marketing, law, sciences, and teaching. In addition, studying a foreign language can be personally fulfilling for it enables people to interact more directly with others in their travels and studies abroad.

The Department of Foreign Languages also houses the Intensive English Program (IEP) at West Virginia University. International students improve their English in the IEP, and the Program is an asset to our graduate students who study the Teaching of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

We are continually seeking to insure that our academic program is up-to-date and competitive with other foreign language programs in the US, to enhance our teaching methodologies with appropriate technologies, and to expand our course offerings. Foreign Languages is a vital and progressive department at West Virginia University and a good investment for the future.

FOREIGN LANGUAGES PRIORITIES

• Acquiring additional computers and instructional software for student use
• Funds to support the Department's Technology Resource and Development Center (to maintain and acquire equipment and software)
• Increasing the stipend for graduate teaching assistants
• Establishing an endowment to support foreign language majors as they participate in study abroad programs or international internships
• Developing web-based and web-enhanced courses for distance learning
• Enhancing current and establish new scholarships for Foreign Languages majors