Valpo’s Foreign Language Program Ranked Among Top Universities
Valparaiso University has been named to The Best College’s list of the 10 Most Innovative Colleges for Foreign Language Study, ranking among prestigious universities including Yale, Columbia, Cornell, and UCLA.
The article, found on thebestcolleges.org, stated that “one of the coolest aspects of foreign language learning at Valparaiso is their foreign language dormitories, which are available in French or German. Students live, work, and teach these languages for the entire time they’re at school, giving them plenty of experience to work toward fluency.”
The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures is now housed in Valpo’s new Arts and Sciences Building, home to the Language Resource Center, where students can go to get tutoring, find resources, or just enjoy conversing in a foreign language.
Notable aspects of foreign language study at Valpo include:
* The Kade-Duesenberg German House and German Center, recently designated as a “German Center of Excellence” by the American Association of Teachers of German.
* Active, expanding study abroad programs in Europe, Asia, and Central America.
* Valparaiso International Engineering Program integrates foreign language study in German, French, and Spanish.
* Students in the Chinese Language and French Language programs are required to work with native speakers to enhance communication skills.
According to Randa Duvick, professor and Chair of the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, the department is continually reviewing curriculum.
“We’ve consistently modified our curriculum to aim at integrating literature, civilization, and language skills, and to focus more squarely on advanced language skills with some new, targeted courses and innovations in existing courses,” Duvick said.
To learn more about foreign language programs at Valparaiso University, visit valpo.edu/foreignlanguages.
About Valparaiso University
Valparaiso University is a comprehensive independent Lutheran university with more than 4,000 students on its campus located in Northwest Indiana, an hour from Chicago. Valpo is a community of purpose-driven, service-minded and ethical individuals who embrace the pursuit of truth with freedom, humility and compassion. Valpo has been identified as one of the top master’s-level institutions in the Midwest by U.S. News & World Report magazine for the past 22 years. Valparaiso University offers 110 undergraduate academic programs through the colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering and Nursing. Valpo also has a distinguished honors college, a School of Law and more than 40 degree and certificate programs in its Graduate School and Continuing Education Division. Valpo has been recognized for its commitment to outstanding teaching, preparing thoughtful leaders with strong cross-cultural skills and global awareness, and dedication to serving others.
