The Department of World Languages and Cultures is a community of dedicated teachers and scholars who prepare you for professions that use language and knowledge of diverse cultures to advance their mission.
With Samford being ranked #10 in the nation for career preparation by the Wall Street Journal, you enter the workforce ready to collaborate with people of diverse cultures on a global scale. You will learn from language experts, complete an internship using the skills you have acquired in your classes and have the chance to gain real-world experience through studying abroad. We walk alongside you in your language-learning journey to ensure you graduate with the necessary skills and experience to excel in a variety of careers.
Study the language, literature and culture of France. You can participate in an intensive French language and culture program at the Université Grenoble-Alpes, where over 3,000 students from seventy different nations study each year. Learn More
Study the language, literature and culture of Germany. A summer immersion program in this vibrant country complements outstanding faculty teaching and mentoring. Students in this program are prepared for advanced degrees and careers that require a deep understanding of the German language and experience. Learn More
You will gain proficiency in oral and written Spanish, get acquainted with Hispanic and Latino cultures and develop skills in cultural, literary and linguistic analysis. Graduates are prepared for advanced degrees and careers that require a deep understanding of the Spanish language and experience. Learn More
Learn about the people, cultures and languages throughout history. You will study the Middle East, Latin America, Europe or Human Geography as a concentration while also gaining a strong understanding of global history. Learn More
Choose two language and literature options from French, German and Spanish. Learn More
Learn the language, literature and culture of France.
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Study the language, literature and culture of Germany. Our German minor complements future careers in business or science.
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The Spanish minor is an ideal choice for students pursuing careers in business, ministry, health care or any other profession that is engaged with Hispanic and Latino cultures in the U.S. and abroad.
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The World Languages and Cultures minor allows students in any discipline to enhance their major and general education language requirements with six world language courses at any level.
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Our Critical Languages Program presents a rare opportunity for you to learn a less commonly taught language that is deemed critically important to the United States national security, economic and scientific competitiveness. These languages include Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, Haitian Creole, Hindi, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, Swahili, Thai, Vietnamese, Italian and American Sign Language.
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While our Critical Languages Program is not intended for native speakers, we offer the unique opportunity for them to enroll in a course that will teach them how to read and write in their native language. Students from the University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham-Southern College, the University of Montevallo and Miles College may enroll in our classes thanks to our membership in the Birmingham Area Consortium on Higher Education (BACHE). Our classes take place in the late afternoon or evening in the fall and spring semesters, making them convenient for high school students and community members to enroll.
Unless you are learning a new language at the 101 level, all undergraduate students at Samford must take a language placement test and follow the language course placement recommendation of the Department of World Languages and Cultures. Send an e-mail to wlac@samford.edu for language-specific placement test and registration information.
Live with a host family and explore the culture and place of your chosen language through one of our study abroad programs. We lead these immersive experiences giving you the opportunity to gain real world experience while developing meaningful and impactful relationships with our faculty.
French Club is where you can improve your French and learn about French culture. You will be invited to weekly dinners to improve conversational French, have time to celebrate the specifics of French culture and even watch a movie or two. Join us as we make crêpes and speak French. Au revoir et bonne journée!
Join LSO to connect with other Latinos on Samford’s campus and serve the Latino community through volunteer activities. You will work for the advancement and betterment of the Latino community and be part of a supportive network for its members and their families.
Become a member of the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society at Samford. You will be part of a supportive community whose goal is to honor outstanding Spanish students and foster an understanding, appreciation and respect for the Spanish-speaking world.
We offer scholarships to make your language education more accessible and affordable.
The Thomas and Sandy Hines Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded to French or Spanish students participating in international study programs. Please contact Dieter Waldvogel for more information.
The Grace Hicks Ezell Scholarship is awarded to outstanding students studying Spanish.
The Wheeler Hawley Award is awarded to outstanding juniors studying French or German.
The D. M. Coleman Span Study Abroad Scholarship is awarded to help students of Spanish participate in international study programs. Please contact Dieter Waldvogel for more information.
The Glenn/Fortune Scholarship is awarded to students involved in mission work in a Hispanic culture. Please contact Dieter Waldvogel for more information.
The scholarship is to be awarded to students participating in language missions/service project(s) or majoring/minoring in world languages who are also preparing for missions, teaching or service-related careers. Please contact Dieter Waldvogel for more information.
This scholarship is awarded to students majoring in German at Samford University.
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