B.A. in Language Studies Teaching - Teaching English as a Second Language

This program is designed for students who wish to obtain licensure to teach in middle school, junior high, and high school. Courses leading to teaching licensure are offered in French, German, Latin, Spanish, and teaching English as a second language. The program is unique within colleges in the Midwest in its flexibility that enables students to tailor an academic program to their individual goals. In addition, students complete a sequence of professional courses offered by the Bayh College of Education and the College of Arts and Sciences to prepare for teaching. Students gain teaching skills through classroom and field experiences and through their required student teaching experience. Language proficiency is expanded through the University's extensive array of study abroad opportunities, which range from summer programs to a single semester or a full academic year in over 56 countries. Many cost only the equivalent of tuition, room, and board at ISU, making study abroad an affordable experience. In addition, financial aid and scholarships can be used for ISU programs—and additional scholarships are available through the office of Academic Programs Abroad. All language studies majors are required to study abroad. The department sponsors a variety of activities such as conversation tables, international films, lectures, and field trips to museums, art exhibits, musical performances, restaurants, and cultural sites in Indiana and Illinois, including Indianapolis and Chicago. Other opportunities include Phi Sigma Iota (the national foreign language honor society) and Eta Sigma Phi (the national classics honorary society). Students also may earn the 12-credit TESL/TEFL Certificate (opening opportunities for teaching abroad) or may volunteer as language instructors at local elementary schools, where they work with teachers and students in a specific language. They may also have opportunities for internships with practical experience. The department offers students a state-of-the-art language center with access to specialized software, tutoring, and cultural programming. Careers Foreign language teachers are in high demand in all languages, especially Spanish and teaching English as a new language—and our graduates have a very high placement rate in Indiana and across the United States. In addition to teaching positions, language study leads to hundreds of career opportunities, enhances each student's resume, and increases salary potential. Many of our graduates have established careers in a wide range of fields, including international business, U.S. Department of State, law, military intelligence, health-care related fields, the financial sector, U.S. and international business, and state and local government agencies. Language study also is excellent preparation for graduate school or advanced study in many disciplines.