Global Languages and Cultures
major
The Global Languages and Cultures program develops language and cultural fluency with purpose, offers international opportunities across the globe, and provides professional preparation. Our students dive deep into the rich diversity of Francophone and/or Hispanic peoples and cultures through courses that combine language proficiency with film, literature, art, and history, along with current issues and events. Our flexible curriculum draws on multiple other disciplines and pairs well with any other major or minor. Our supportive community of faculty and students is passionate about language, culture, and global engagement. Students graduate with real-world skills and career-ready competencies that open doors to jobs and in everyday life.
Inside Look
Curriculum
The Global Languages and Cultures major includes three possible concentrations. Two concentrations require in-depth study of a primary language and related cultures: French and Francophone Studies OR Spanish and Hispanic Studies. A third concentration, Language and Culture Studies, is broader and more flexible, while still requiring a foundation in a primary language of study (French or Spanish) and related cultures.
New program beginning Fall 2026
Saint Michael’s College is updating its academic offerings to better align with evolving workforce needs and to enhance resource efficiency at St. Mike’s. These changes will strengthen the interdisciplinary learning and societal engagement already inherent in a Saint Michael’s education while staying true to our liberal arts vision and mission.
In Fall 2026, this major combines and replaces the existing Spanish and French programs for incoming students.
More information about the curriculum will be shared soon.
Special Opportunities
Language clubs, conversation tables, film nights, cultural events, and excursions keep learning interactive, social, and alive. Students can study abroad in Europe, Africa, Latin America, the Caribbean, or elsewhere in North America on programs that offer immersive learning and internships with local communities in the target language. These opportunities are life-changing: they help students grow personally and expand their horizons while building both their confidence and their resumes.
Highlight
Student Profile
Student Experience Spotlight: Aliou Cisse
News
Three Fulbrights headed to Vietnam, Spain and Mexico
Careers
After graduation, our majors go on to careers like:
- International Relations (policy analysis, foreign service, diplomacy)
- International Development (NGO, U.S. State Department, or private sector)
- International Business, Law, Journalism, and Publishing
- Global Public Health
- Community Health Services for Multilingual Populations
- Teaching French/Spanish in the U.S. or abroad
- Education (study abroad programs, curriculum development, educational publishing)
- Translating and Interpreting
- Travel and Tourism Industries
- International Service (Peace Corps, Jesuit Volunteer Corps)
- Graduate Studies in Literature, Linguistics, or Second-Language Acquisition
Contact
Peter Vantine
Associate Dean, School of Arts & Humanities; Director, Global Languages & Cultures; Associate Professor of French
Joyce Hall 155, Box 276
pvantine@smcvt.edu
802.654.2853
Ready to apply?
Take the next step at Michael’s College.