Studying languages will equip you with a wide range of skills and abilities that can help you fulfill your future goals, such as:

• The ability to read, write, speak and understand the learned language
• An understanding of the people and culture or cultures who speak the language and a greater understanding of one's own culture
• An understanding of current cross-cultural and multicultural issues
• Appreciation of the literature of the learned language
• Knowledge of the history of the learned language
• Confidence in one's ability to communicate cross-culturally

• What can you do with a BA in Languages?
  • Post-graduate study
  • Language instruction (K-12)
  • Post-secondary specialization
  • Translation/Interpretation
  • Editing
  • Work in tourism (for example, as a Tourist Information Officer, Guide, Hotel manager, etc.)
  • Public relations work
  • International business (especially if the Languages BA is paired with a degree in business)
• Japan Exchange and Teach (JET) Program
  The Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Program is a rewarding post-college adventure. Previous study of the Japanese language is not required. Any Americans who love children and are interested in teaching English at schools (K-12) in Japan are qualified to apply. The initial contract is for a year, and may be extended up to five years. Compensation averages $3,000 per month plus benefits. Contact Dr. Hiroko Harada for more information.
• Interested in teaching for the Department of Languages?

  The Department of Languages maintains a hiring pool for applicants to teach as Adjunct Instructors in all seven languages (American Sign Language, Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian and Spanish) which it offers; multilingual applicants only need to apply once. Please be specific about the language or languages you wish to teach in your application. Applications which do not clearly relate to the Department of Languages position will be rejected. 

  Adjuncts are part-time instructors who are hired on a semester-by-semester basis from among a pool of qualified applicants. They typically teach one or two classes in an academic year. Openings for any given semester will depend upon the number of adjuncts available and on their individual schedules. Often a semester passes with no new openings; acceptance into the pool is not a guarantee that you will be hired. 

  How to Apply

  All applicants to UAA must apply using the web application procedures found at UA Careers.  

  Prospective adjunct instructors must apply under the "Temporary Faculty Credit" classification. If you have questions about this process, please contact Rebecca Coffin at rhcoffin@alaska.edu.
• Want to be a Tutor?

  If you are interested in tutoring for the Department of Languages, you will need to apply to the tutor hiring pools at UA Careers. Tutors are hired on an as-needed basis from available qualified applicants, and tutoring is a part-time, temporary position which rarely amounts to more than five hours a week.

  Student tutors must be taking six or more credits at UAA while they are tutoring, or, in the case of summer tutors, will be continuing with at least six credits of courses in the fall. Student applicants should be aware that they may not, by Federal law, work more than 20 hours per week total in on-campus jobs during regular semesters. If you have other work on campus you must tell the administrative assistant at the time you are hired so that you are not scheduled for a total of more than 20 on-campus work hours. 

  Temp (non-student) tutors are tutors who are not taking classes at UAA or are taking fewer than six credits. If you are not taking summer courses but will be taking six or more credits in the following semester, you should apply for the student tutor position. 

  If you have any questions, please contact the administrative assistant for tutoring at lkbreest@alaska.edu.