Build connections across cultures and communities through the study of language. Develop your ability to communicate in another language while exploring the literature, history, traditions, and perspectives of people around the world.
Explore languages at Iowa
Chinese
Gain a deeper understanding of China through language study that brings its history, society, and popular culture into focus. You’ll learn to communicate in Chinese while developing the cultural knowledge to engage thoughtfully with one of the world’s most influential societies.
French
Discover a language that connects communities across Europe, Africa, North America, the Caribbean, and beyond. Through French, you’ll encounter the literature, film, history, and ideas of the Francophone world while learning to communicate across cultures.
German
Use German as a gateway to the people, ideas, and cultural movements of Central Europe. Explore literature, film, history, and contemporary culture while gaining the language skills to communicate and pursue opportunities.
Japanese
Take your study of Japanese beyond the classroom by examining the stories, traditions, and social forces that have shaped Japan. Courses in language, literature, translation, and cultural studies gives you multiple ways to understand the past and present.
Spanish
Immerse yourself in one of the world’s most widely spoken languages while studying the cultures of Spanish-speaking communities. Explore everything from literature and linguistics to creative writing and contemporary issues in Spain, Latin America, and the U.S.
Additional world language coursework available
Why should I study language at Iowa?
A new language can change how you see the world—and how you participate in it. At Iowa, language study combines communication with cultural exploration, helping you understand perspectives and experiences beyond your own and make meaningful connections across cultures.
Take what you learn beyond the classroom through study abroad, internships, cultural activities, and interdisciplinary study. Whether you pair a language with business, health care, education, the arts, international studies, or another field, you’ll graduate with communication, critical thinking, and intercultural skills that can help you stand out in an increasingly connected world.
Careers our graduates pursue
- Educator
- Translator or interpreter
- Foreign service officer
- International business professional
- Writer or editor
- Journalist
- Government or public service professional
- International development professional
- Travel and tourism professional
- Attorney
- Health care professional
- Community outreach coordinator
- ...and many similar professions
