NEW MAJOR
Italian The Department of Modern Languages offers the Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree in Modern Languages with specialization in Italian. The Italian major is designed to provide students with a proficiency in practical communicative skills in Italian as well as familiarity with the cultures in which it is spoken. Italian is used by more than 300 million people worldwide and it is the one of the fastest-growing languages in the United States. Having the ability to speak and understand the Italian language will provide you with many professional opportunities. The Italian major is excellent preparation for careers in business, journalism and communications, law, medicine, the service professions, and teaching. This program fully articulates with Hunter College’s bachelor degree programs in Italian. For more information contact Prof. Kristina Varade Rm. S601V • Phone: 212 346 8556 kvarade@bmcc.cuny.edu Visit www.bmcc.cuny.edu/languages
Why Study Italian? Here are 7 really good reasons: 1. Italy is one of the top five economies in the world, and many employers are seeking people who speak both Italian and English. 2. Italian majors pursue careers in a variety of fields, including education, business, computer programming and web design, law, public relations, journalism, telecommunications, arts administration, publishing, library science, politics, or public and environmental affairs, to name but a few. Some students also use their language skills in order to enter government employment or the military. In all cases, students report back to us that their training in Italian significantly enhanced their professional and academic opportunities. 3. Italian is spoken by 55 million people in Italy and 62 million people throughout the world. Italy has the 7th largest economy in the world and is a major political force in Europe.
4. In many careers and free-time activities, you will find it beneficial to communicate with people who are native Italian speakers. 5. For many, learning Italian is rapidly becoming a business necessity. As more and more businesses are "going global" by opening offices throughout the world, knowledge of Italian is an increasingly important asset when applying for jobs. Six of the 100 biggest global companies have their headquarters in Italy, and Italy is the world¿s fifth largest industrial producer of goods. Jobs in Italian business are lucrative. 6. Italian gives you the opportunity to live, volunteer and travel abroad. You’ll learn to better appreciate people and cultures! Unlock a world of travel destinations or, if you want, work abroad. 7. Become a more independent person! Speaking Italian opens up an array of networking opportunities closed to individuals only confident in one language.
What can I do with an A.A. in Italian? Really anything you want! The possibilities are endless! Because Italian is becoming more widely used in the world, having the ability to speak and understand the Italian language will provide you with many professional opportunities. A selection of possible careers available to those with Italian degrees: Education:
Importer/Exporter Government:
Bilingual Educator College Professor
Business:
International Relations Consultant Foreign Exchange Trader Publishing Specialist Foreign Correspondent Proofreader
Translator/Interpreter International Account Manager International Banking Officer Bilingual customer support
Culture/Tourism:
Cultural Events Coordinator Travel Agent Translator/Interpreter Escort/Interpreter/Guide
National Security Agent Immigration Officer Court Interpreter Cultural Attaché UNESCO Official Translator/Interpreter FBI Agent Foreign Diplomat Missionary Foreign Service Officer
Resources in Italian at Modern Languages Department Students can explore our own collection of films and instructional videos; participate in our annual Student Symposium of Modern Languages; or participate in a Study Abroad program in Italy with 60% of the cost covered to grow linguistically and expand your cultural understanding of Italian-speaking societies.