Language and Culture

When exploring possible academic majors, begin by investigating the specific programs at Purchase College.  Discover more about the B.A. in Language and Culture, and find out about program requirements, courses, and the program faculty.

Want to find out more about a major?  Talk to department heads and professors to have your questions answered and to get the inside track on being a Language and Culture major at Purchase College.

Career Possibilities

ACQUIRED SKILLS

• Strong written and verbal communication
• Ability to interact with people of different backgrounds in various situations
• Reading critically
• Adapting to other cultures
• Communicating between cultures
• Evaluating information
• Ability to translate
• Collaborating as part of a team
• Reporting and editing

CAREER TITLES

• Advertising Manager
• Art Dealer
• Consumer Advocate
• Court Interpreter
• Customs/Immigration Officer
• Director of Study Abroad Programs
• Drug Enforcement Agent
• ESL Teacher
• Foreign Correspondent
• Foreign Service Officer
• Foreign Student Advisor/Study Abroad Advisor
• Government Agency Administrator
• Hotel Manager
• Importer/Exporter
• International Banking Officer
• Journalist
• Language Specialist
• Lawyer
• Linguist
• Peace Corps Volunteer
• Pharmaceutical Rep.
• Professor
• Public Policy Specialist
• Reporter
• Teacher
• Tour Guide
• Translator/Interpreter
• Travel Agent
• Writer

TYPES OF ORGANIZATIONS THAT HIRE

• Educational Institutions
• Corporate Firms (in US and in Foreign Countries)
• Commercial Language Schools
• Government Agencies
• Non Profit Organizations
• Translation Agencies
• Broadcasting Companies
• Museums
• Publishers
• Hospitals

CAREER INFORMATION AND PROFESSIONAL ORGANIZATIONS

www.cfr.org - Council on Foreign Relations
www.state.gov - U.S. Department of State
www.actfl.org -American Counsel on the Teaching of Foreign Languages
www.atanet.org - American Translators Association (ATA)
www.aatsp.org/ - The American Association of Teachers of Spanish and Portuguese
www.aassa.com - Association of American Schools in South America
www.bls.gov/oco - Occupational Outlook Handbook

JOB SEARCH LINKS

www.purchase.edu/careerdevelopment - Click on Purchase JobScore to access jobs posted for Purchase students and alumni
www.idealist.org - Jobs, internships and volunteer opportunities in the not-for-profits
www.jobsabroad.com - Opportunities around the globe
www.overseasjobs.com - International job opportunities for professionals, expatriates & adventure seekers
www.bunac.org - Work, Volunteer and Teach Abroad
www.usajobs.gov - Jobs in the federal government
www.studentjobs.gov - Job opportunities for students within the Federal Government
www.makingthedifference.org - Federal jobs and internships
www.careers.state.gov - Jobs with the U.S. Department of State
www.peacecorps.gov - The Peace Corps
www.un.org/en/employment - Explore a career with the United Nations
www.ihipo.com - International jobs and internships
www.footprintsrecruiting.com - Teacher placement and support agency for schools South Korea, Taiwan and China

Additional Resources for Working and Volunteering Abroad

BOOKS AVAILABLE AT CDC

• Great Jobs for Foreign Language Majors
• Careers for Foreign Languages Aficionados
• Careers in Foreign Language
• Career Opportunities in Travel and Tourism
• International Job Finder
• Jobs and Careers Abroad
• Directory of Jobs & Career Abroad 
• International Internships and Volunteer Programs

Updated 11/11