Program Overview
-
Students pursuing the B.A. in Modern Language & Culture are required to complete an internship or study abroad. The Department of Foreign Languages also offers any student the opportunity to participate in an internship who has completed the courses numbered 3302 (Practical Conversation) and 3303 (Grammar and Composition) in French, German, Italian, and Spanish or 3302 in Chinese.
A foreign language internship is a partnership between Kennesaw State University, the student, and a host-organization in which motivated students gain valuable knowledge of the target language and culture(s) that cannot be acquired in the classroom. The experience gives students an opportunity to enhance their language skills in a professional environment as well as to learn skills that will prepare them for their future career(s). In some cases, an internship may lead to obtaining a job.
Interns earn credit hours, which vary according to the number of hours spent at a host organization (see chart). These host organizations can be quite diverse; they have included major international companies like CNN, Coca Cola, or Delta Airlines, and small companies like LATN (Latin American Translator's Network). Usually, interns find positions in governmental organizations, local businesses associated with the target language and culture(s), schools, and non-profit organizations such as Misión Católica or the Latin American Association. Depending on the nature of the host organization, interns may be paid for their work. Although most host organizations are located within the Metro Atlanta Area, some possibilities exist for internships outside of the state, and even internships abroad.
An internship is a time-consuming endeavor, but one that rewards student initiative. Students seeking an internship must:
- be familiar with the Foreign Language Internship Program
- identify a host organization and arrange interviews with that organization
- initiate and maintain consultation with an appropriate faculty coordinator
- identify how they will meet department-defined learning goals and objectives
During an internship, students must:
- fulfill their Learning Contract
- be actively involved in all aspects of the target language and culture(s)
- reflect upon their experience
Since planning for an internship takes time (anywhere from two weeks to three months), interested students should start the process early in the semester preceding the internship.
For more information, please contact the following coordinators according to your language of interest and at the beginning of the semester prior to the semester of the proposed internship (i.e., contact in early September for a Spring internship, etc.):
- Dr. Wenhua Jin for Chinese
- Dr. Luc Guglielmi for French
- Dr. Sabine Smith for German
- Dr. Andrea Scapolo for Italian
- Patricia Wood for Spanish
Show more