World Language programs at Ramapo College include a major in Spanish with concentrations in Literature and Teacher Education. We offer minors in French, Italian, and Spanish. In conjunction with the Teacher Education Program at the School of Social Sciences and Human Services, teacher certification is also offered in French and Italian. We also offer a Certificate in Spanish for Healthcare and Human Services.

Additionally, instruction is provided in the less-commonly-taught languages of Arabic, Chinese, German, and Japanese. Language students at Ramapo work in small classes and receive close, individualized attention and encouragement from their instructors, who are familiar with the latest language instruction techniques and technology. The instructors are prepared to support you through demanding but rewarding courses that are student-centered and proficiency-oriented. Technical support and personal assistance are also available in our state-of-the-art language lab where leading-edge technology is at the service of language instruction.

In all of our language courses, we spend most of the time using the language in meaningful contexts. and work to help you increase your proficiency as you advance. Textbook instruction is complemented with the use of multimedia sources and language software in order facilitate the learning process.

Why another language?

“I will always be glad I took the time to study languages. It opened for me many doors-professionally as well as personally. Foreign languages equal a free pass to the world.”
– Marie Lechantre, student

“I want to be able to communicate freely with the people in their language. People treat you differently when you speak their language. It shows appreciation and respect for their culture. As for practical reasons, it’s almost imperative to be multi-lingual these days, with the mixture of cultures in the U.S. and all over the world. The multimedia used in Ramapo classes helps a lot in the learning of a foreign language. The software is very useful and the video teaches pronunciation and listening comprehension. You hear other speakers and don’t have to rely on the instructor only.”
– Maya Ivanova, student

“In today’s job market, being able to speak a foreign language is such an asset. Also, learning a second language gets me closer to other people; it shows that I want to learn about them and their culture.”
– Lisette Cruz, student

“I want to learn a foreign language to get over language barriers. I find it upsetting not to be able to communicate with some people. I expect to not only understand the language, but the culture too.”
– Lisa Galasso, student

“I enjoy learning about other people’s history and beliefs and through these one can learn tolerance for other cultures. Hopefully, we can all live in a peaceful environment.”
– Susan Zaloom, student

“In America, and especially in the business world, different languages are needed to consult with people all over.”
– Joseph M. Walsh, student