International Studies program | Foreign Languages | Harding

International Studies at Harding

The international studies degree is a flexible and interdisciplinary program that allows students to design their own path toward graduation. This degree consists of three primary areas of study:

a foreign language - while not completing the hours required for a full major in the target language, students will be proficient in listening, speaking, reading and writing, and will be able to conduct research in the language,
a core of classes related to international relations, politics and economics - in order to participate in our global community, students take an array of classes that expose them to other cultures and help them understand how different cultures interact with each other and with our nation,
a career concentration - students will work with a faculty advisor to design their own path of study based on their interests and career goals.

Students will also engage in an international experience and a senior research capstone project. The international experience is a Harding-led trip to an area that uses the target language so that students get outside-of-the-classroom experience to reinforce what they are learning in the classroom. The senior research capstone project pulls together all the student's areas of study into a comprehensive project supervised by a faculty member. The International Studies major is a great way for students to engage in the mission of Harding University of transforming learners for global impact by engaging minds and nurturing faith within a deeply connected community.

Learn more about the Foreign Languages Department

Why study international studies at Harding?

Academic excellence

Prepare to work overseas or here in the U.S. with international partners
Reach proficiency in a foreign language through our highly successful learning approaches
Take advantage of our multi-faceted co-curricular activities to gain cultural insight and conversation practice
Participate in the Global Seal of Biliteracy to pursue language-related job credentials at a discounted cost
Add an optional translation concentration that provides practical training and one-on-one mentoring

Travel opportunities

Immerse yourself in language and culture - either through the French Advanced Conversation and Experience (FACE) study abroad program in French-speaking Europe or at the Harding University in Latin America international program in South America
Encourage Christians and participate in community outreach through campaigns in Latin America or French-speaking Europe, co-sponsored by the foreign language department and Harding's Global Outreach missions program

Community engagement

Use your language skills in service to others through community outreach with our translation center or with non-profit partners who sponsor community classes, interpreting services, etc.
Participate in game nights, coffee hours, and language tables in the student center and dining hall each week to practice conversational skills
Engage with our closely-connected community and grow spiritually through weekly devotionals in French or Spanish

More information

The Harding chapter Chi Nu of Phi Sigma Iota, the international foreign language honor society, recognizes outstanding junior and senior departmental majors and minors. Phi Sigma Iota is the highest academic honor in the field of foreign languages.

Students with a solid background in the language may seek validation credit for introductory courses upon strong performance in subsequent courses. Credit also may be earned based on high AP scores.

Validation credit

Translation center

Travel opportunities

Internships

What can you do with a degree in international studies?

Business and diplomacy

A degree in International Studies will prepare you well for various roles in international business or diplomacy. Many government agencies and international corporations have regular vacancies in areas requiring knowledge of a foreign language and study of international systems.

Translation

With a career in translation, you will have the opportunity to make a significant difference in the lives of others by increasing access to necessary written information. Translation increases the efficacy and efficiency of communication in literature, business, legal, medical, technical and diplomatic contexts.

Non-profit work

Our students are often interested in working with non-profit organizations that offer a wide variety of services to migrants, refugees, and others. International studies will prepare you for the cross-cultural interaction and understanding of international diplomacy that is required in the non-profit space.