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Language study at UMF is designed to encourage oral and written communication, cultural understanding, and study abroad. UMF has long standing and exciting bilateral exchanges with universities in China and France, and a thriving Semester in France program in Le Mans, France. Our students have also studied in Spain and Mexico, and in a variety of other countries.
Students interested in languages and cultures can major in International Studies or select a concentration in French or Spanish in the Elementary Education major. International Studies majors take 20 credits in one language and study abroad for a semester or equivalent. Education majors take 20 credits in French or Spanish and complete their requirements in the Education Department. Our students have often described their experience abroad as the highlight of their studies at UMF. Students also have the opportunity minor in French or Spanish.
UMF is unique in the system in hosting Language Assistants from China, France, and Mexico who interact with students in classes and in the French, Spanish, and International clubs.
Our program features small classes, in which students develop important skills in speaking, writing, critical thinking, and detailed analyses of literature and film. Professors and students get to know each other well which enhances learning.
Graduates of the International Studies program go on to a wide range of positions in both the private and the public sector, and to graduate or law school. Graduates of the new Education major with language concentrations find easy employment in the schools.
What our students say:
“I started law school at UMaine at the end of August and I love it. I feel that UMF has prepared me well. My Civil Procedure class is taught a lot like French I, and as a result I am having a bit of an easier time than some other students. (There are actually a lot of analogies between learning a language and law school)… I also hope students are interested in going to Le Mans this year. I always knew how great an opportunity it was but it just dawned on my recently how truly affordable the whole program was!”
Elyse Wilkinson is an International Studies Major who spent one semester at Université du Maine in France and one at the University of Salamanca in Spain .
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