Language immersion is the perfect program for students who want to study a foreign language and obtain college credits while learning from a different culture.

Language immersion programs have been viewed as an essential component in enhancing the marketability of the student in the twenty-first century. Coupled with international business studies, these two components provide future business leaders with an ability to interact directly with their counterparts in the target language, a greater appreciation of foreign cultures, and a better understanding of the multinational business firms.

For students wishing to learn another language and a new culture, an immersion program and living in the country where the target language is used often can be the best way. The Office of Global Education, College of Business & Technology, has established many opportunities for business students to learn or improve their proficiency in a second language while completing their degree program. Semester abroad immersion programs are available in the fall and spring, and the summer abroad immersion programs vary in length from 6 to 12-weeks.

While immersion programs often do not require prior study in the target language, it is recommended that students have some language training before studying abroad. The Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures at WIU currently offers instruction in Spanish, French, German, Chinese and Japanese.

If you have any questions regarding semester and year long exchange programs please contact Chris Ramsey, Business Advising Center, Stipes Hall 133. Financial aid and scholarships are available for many of these programs.

The universities listed below offer immersion programs in the following languages:

Spanish

• Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, Santiago, Chile
• Universidad de Chile, Santiago, Chile
• Universidad Autónoma de Chihuahua, Chihuahua, México
• Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, Nuevo León, México
• Universidad Autónoma de Querétaro, Querétaro, México
• Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, México City, México
• Universidad Panamericana, Guadalajara, México
• Universidad Veracruzana, Xalapa, México
• Instituto Tecnologico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey (ITESM), México