Languages (BA)

Welcome/Bienvenue/Bienvendio to Languages at Laurier! Become multilingual and develop a broader intercultural understanding and a heightened awareness of the way language connects us to each other and to society. Gain invaluable communication skills to help navigate an increasingly interconnected, multicultural world. Graduate with fluency in multiple languages, opening up countless career possibilities in Canada and abroad. Tailor your degree as you take a minor in another language or experience hands-on research.

Apply Your Learning

Make the most out of your university career by taking advantage of all that Laurier has to offer you. Volunteer work, campus clubs, leadership programs, studying abroad, work experience – there are so many ways you can extend your classroom experience into the real world.

Here are just a few examples of the experiences you can add to your Languages program:

  • Apply for our brand new co-op program at the end of your first year and gain 12 months of real-world work experience.
  • Go on an international exchange to practice your language skills abroad.
  • Take translation courses to gain practical experience that you can add to your resume.
  • Volunteer at a local school or another local organization to gain language and professional experience.

Check out the Languages Experience and Career Guide for more!

 

2022 graduates who secured employment or went on to postgraduate studies

 

Laurier ranks in the top 6 percent of universities worldwide*

 

students who gained hands-on learning experiences at Laurier in 2022

*Center for World University Rankings (CWUR)

Admissions

Format: full time or part time      Duration: four years     Start: September (fall term) or January (winter term)     OUAC code: UH (Languages); UMA (BA + MA Pathway)

Program Details

Become a Truly Multilingual Graduate

Laurier’s Bachelor of Arts in Languages is the first of its kind in Canada. You’ll have the opportunity to study two languages in depth: French and Spanish. Then you'll add to your thorough knowledge of French and Spanish by acquiring basic, working knowledge of a third language of your choice (Arabic, German or Italian). You're also required to take courses in linguistics or cultural perspectives (European and Mediterranean) to round out your education.

If you have prior language experience and are interested in taking French and Spanish upper-level courses, be sure to consult with the Languages and Literatures department.

Study Abroad and Hone Your Skills

Our professors use innovative teaching methods and creative projects. You are encouraged to study abroad in your third year while completing courses towards your degree. Studying languages will open the door to the world and endless opportunities.
 
You'll gain invaluable communication skills and a heightened awareness of cultural connections while enhancing your ability to think critically about the world around you. You will further strengthen this if you choose to go on an international exchange in your third or fourth year.

Program Options and Courses

Options and Minors

These are a few of the many popular academic opportunities which allow you to dive deeper into your major area of study or broaden your knowledge:

  • Arabic Minor
  • Teaching Option (Coming soon!)
  • German Minor
  • Italian Minor
  • Spanish Minor

Check out other options to enhance your degree.

First-Year Courses

You'll have the option to select three of the following courses:

  • Cultural Perspectives I
  • Cultural Perspectives II
  • Sound, Structure, and Meaning
  • Language Acquisition, Cognition, and Society
  • Mare Nostrum: Mediterranean Travels
  • Mediterranean Culture and Civilization I
  • Mediterranean Culture and Civilization II

In addition, you'll choose 3.5 credits from French and Spanish, and one of Arabic, German, Indigenous, Italian or Latin courses, or another language with permission from the department.

Sample First-Year Courses

  • Introductory French
  • Introductory Spanish
  • Modern Standard Arabic

Upper-Year Courses

  • Francophone Myths, Legends and Voodoo
  • Language through Popular Culture
  • Mediterranean Culture and Civilization
  • Spanish Art, Music, and Media

Similar Programs

Co-op

Co-op is a way to integrate what you are learning in the classroom with practical experience in your field of study. Build your resume, earn money, develop your network, and graduate with work experience.

You can apply for admission to co-op in your first year and may be eligible for an admission interview early in your second year. As a student in this program, you will be eligible to complete paid work terms lasting 12 to 16 weeks.

Interested? Learn more about co-op.

Tuition and Scholarships

Getting a university education is an investment in your future.

At Laurier, we take financial health seriously by providing a wide variety of funding opportunities for you throughout your degree, such as scholarships and bursaries, and by equipping you with the skills to manage your finances effectively in the years to come.

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"My four years at Laurier were the best of my life. I met so many wonderful students who became close friends and teachers who became mentors. This wonderful program opened my eyes to so many issues and languages. It gave me the confidence I never thought was possible and a belief I never thought I would have in myself."

Patricia Sofroniuc, Languages graduate

Your Career Awaits

It’s not only about the journey; it’s about the destination. Let us help you get to where you’re going.

Here are just some examples of our graduates' destinations. What’s yours?

Sample Career Options

Note: Additional training and education may be required.

  • bilingual officer
  • communications specialist
  • customs/immigration officer
  • dialect coach
  • ESL instructor
  • film translator (dubbing)
  • foreign correspondent
  • interpreter
  • policy analyst
  • translator

Explore more careers.

Support After Graduation

Alumni for life means that you have access to Career and Employment Support offered at Laurier for your entire career.

Waterloo Campus

The Waterloo campus is tucked into about one city block, so you’re steps away from your classes, food and your new favourite study spot.

There are many ways to tour our Waterloo campus, whether that's on a guided tour with one of our Laurier student ambassadors, on your own using virtual reality, or even on-demand through one of our pre-recorded tours. See our campus spaces and start to picture yourself at Laurier.

"I really enjoyed the exchange opportunities this program offers to interact with French, German and Spanish natives. This program gives professional opportunities in Canada to the many immigrants who speak more than one language."

Evelyn Barragan, Languages graduate

Interested in More Info?

Email chooselaurier@wlu.ca, call 548.889.8888 or see all contact information.