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IDEAs in Action: A Global Curriculum for a Global University

Studying a Global Language is a cornerstone of IDEAs in Action because language learning opens pathways and career opportunities for every major and minor. Learn more what studying Global Languages at Carolina will do for you.

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Why Study a Global Language at UNC?

Global Languages shine a new light on what it means to be a Tar Heel. Global Languages are your gateway overseas. Global Languages make you a global citizen.

In our networked world, more than half the world’s population speaks at least two languages. In North Carolina alone, the most commonly spoken Global Languages, other than English and Spanish, include Chinese (or Mandarin),  French, German, Vietnamese, and Arabic. Carolina offers instruction in twenty-four Global Languages spoken in virtually every corner of the world. Explore these ten reasons why studying a Global Language early and often at Carolina can enhance your career goals.

Not sure about the IDEAS in Action Global Language requirement? Learn more on the Language Placement website.

Global Languages at Carolina for IDEAS Credit

Look where Global Languages took other Tar Heels

Explore more global experiences →

Launch Your Language

Don’t wait! Start your Global Language requirement as soon as possible, regardless of whether you’re starting a new language or continuing one you began before coming to Carolina.

First Step: Take the Placement Exam

Not sure where to start? If you’ve already started a language and wish to continue it at Carolina, be sure to take the placement exam.

Study Abroad & Internships

Turn your language study into the adventure of a lifetime. Start planning your semester abroad now by exploring Carolina’s extensive Study Abroad portfolio.

Global Language Pathways

There’s no one single way to turn your global language into gold. The following pathway shows how Carolina students can transform their degree through the study of global languages. Explore more pathways by reading up on some of Carolina’s many global experiences.

Year 1

Year 2

Year 3

  • Think about minoring or majoring in your Global Language.
  • Study abroad in fall or spring or secure a summer internship.

Year 4

  • Finish your study of Global Languages.
  • Graduate in the spring.

Year 1

  • Took first German Course in the fall
  • Started Euro Major

Year 2

  • Studied Abroad in South Korea in the fall
  • Studied Abroad in Germany in the spring

Year 3

  • Declared Euro Major
  • Passed C2 language exam in Business German II
  • Declared German Major

Year 4

  • Studied Abroad in Sweden in the fall
  • Finished both majors in spring

Global Languages at Carolina by the Numbers

8

Departments

25

Languages

43%

of undergraduates Study Abroad

38%

of undergraduates take a language each year

Questions?

For questions about any of our languages or programs, please fill out this form which will be directed to the appropriate department.

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