Northern Illinois University
World Languages and Cultures
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences

Studying another language opens doors. It leads to exciting career opportunities and a better understanding of other people and cultures. Our undergraduate and graduate programs will prepare you for a dynamic career in the global economy, in areas like translation, business, tourism, service industries, banking and education.

Our distinguished faculty members are experts in the theory and practice of linguistics, literature and translation. In their classes, you'll have opportunities to work closely with them on research projects, or you can join one of their study abroad programs.

Explore the many languages we offer and see the worlds we can open for you. You can also view our upcoming course offerings.

2025 Department Award Winners

• Minor Language Recognition
  • ASL: Jocelynn Bouma
  • French: Erika Dimitriev
  • Japanese: Truman Sanchez
  • German: Olivia Wells
  • Spanish: Andrea Velez
• Department and College Awards
  • Dean's Award: Kara Regnier
  • American Association of Teachers of German Award: Olivia Wells
  • Outstanding Educator Licensure Award: Kara Regnier
• Dean's List
  • Blake Axelsen
  • Joselyn Bahena
  • Emma Fowler
  • Alondra Gamez
  • Jonathan Leon‑Jimenez
  • Alejandra Ortiz Miranda
  • Andrea Porcayo (graduated)
  • Kara Regnier
  • Yaritza Salgado
  • Brandon Salmeron
  • Hannah Sheridan (graduated)
  • Ytzel Veloz
  • Lorelei Wesselowski
  • Owen Zographos
• Graduate and Capstone Honors
  • Outstanding Graduate Student Award: Marina Klauke
  • Outstanding Internship and Capstone Project Award: Alondra Gamez

In the News

• The Department of World Languages and Cultures proudly congratulates Khalil Barahaoua on being awarded the ACTFL Future Language Teacher Scholarship for Spanish and French. This prestigious program provides merit-based funding to undergraduate students and graduating high school seniors who are committed to pursuing careers in teaching languages other than English. Scholarship recipients receive $1,500 per academic year, renewable up to $6,000 total, along with complimentary ACTFL membership through their first year of professional teaching. We are thrilled to see Khalil’s dedication and achievements recognized with this honor. Congratulations, Khalil!
• We are proud to congratulate Khalil Barahaoua, who has been selected as a recipient of the 2025 ICTFL Award for College World Language Teaching Majors. This competitive statewide honor is presented annually to outstanding students across Illinois who are preparing to become world language educators and who demonstrate innovation, leadership, and a strong commitment to the field. Khalil is currently completing his junior year majoring and Spanish and Hispanic Studies and pursuing educator licensure. He has distinguished himself through both academic excellence and meaningful community engagement. His dedication to bilingual education and his passion for working with students reflect the values at the heart of the ICTFL Award. The department celebrates this well-deserved recognition and looks forward to the many contributions Khalil will make as a future educator.