World Languages and Global Studies

Spanish

As our largest world language program, the Spanish major and minors prepare students to communicate in Spanish and to connect Spanish with various professions in the competitive global marketplace of the Upstate and beyond. 

Throughout the US, Spanish studies are quickly growing, and the Spanish major ranks as the most popular second major nationwide. Students who cannot double major in Spanish can pursue a range of minors that can help build skills and show employers that you have the global and intercultural competencies they demand. The annual New Global South Summit brings together faculty, students, community members, and worldwide experts to explore the future of our interconnected world. 

Global Studies and Global Competence

The Minor in Global Studies combines intermediate-level study of Chinese, French, German, or Spanish with a broader exploration of global cultural interactions, including a study abroad experience. This minor also meets the cultural and language requirements of USC Upstate’s Peace Corps Prep Program.

The Global Competence Certificate offers a similar opportunity for students who are interested in Global Studies but cannot study abroad to explore intercultural issues and develop cross-cultural skills through interdisciplinary courses on campus and online.

Translation and Interpreting

Many USC Upstate are bilingual by the time they enter the University. Minors in Spanish translation/interpreting and American Sign Language Interpreting learn both theory and practical applications of translation and interpreting in healthcare, legal, business, and education professions. Advanced coursework in translation, interpretation and Spanish for the professions helps students prepare for careers in a bilingual marketplace, while internships and service learning opportunities in translation and teaching English to speakers of other languages demonstrate the way Spanish can help make a real difference in many lives.

World Language Minors

Minors in world languages allow students to combine their interest in language and culture with a major in business, health care, engineering, technology, communications, criminal justice, child advocacy, education, or nearly any other field. Our minors prepare students to research, analyze, create, and communicate more effectively across audiences and cultures. These skills can significantly increase career competitiveness. Minors in French, German Studies, Spanish and Spanish Translation/Interpreting prepare students for careers working with companies, organizations, schools, and communities from throughout the world, including Europe, Africa, Asia, and North and South America. Global companies like BMW, Michelin, Dräxlmaier, and others headquartered in the Upstate region seek talented employees who can communicate and work across languages and cultures as they carry on business around the globe.

Language Teaching

World language teachers are also in high demand, and students with advanced language skills may use them to gain certification to teach through PACE or other post-graduation certification programs. Our world language faculty are actively involved with state-wide and national associations of teachers of world languages, where they work closely with K-12 schools and teachers throughout South Carolina. 

Get Involved

Go to Student Organizations to find out more about how to join our world language clubs or apply to join our chapter of the world language national honor society.

American Sign Language Club

The American Sign Language Club helps raise awareness and understanding of the Deaf and Hard of Hearing (H.o.H.) cultures and the practice of ASL. 

French Club

Join the French Club, as we explore French culture, foods, people, politics, film, literature, and events. Members develop a greater understanding and love of France and other French-speaking countries and are not required to be in a French class or to speak French. 

German Professional Association:

The German Professional Association (GPA) is a student-run association for all learners of German at the University of South Carolina Upstate. The purpose of the association is to create a community of learners interested in the German language and culture, while also fostering an active relationship with the German community in the SC Upstate region. In addition, the association promotes events that foster partnerships with global German businesses in the Upstate and beyond. Join this association if you want to learn more about the German language and culture, as well as how to use your German language skills in professional settings.