students on campus

Majoring in German or Russian (sometimes combined with a double-major in political science, economics, history, business or global studies) gives our students a global perspective and the ability to communicate internationally with linguistic and cultural understanding. 

German and Russian majors and minors can move on to successful careers in government (Foreign Service, State Department), business, international law, journalism, international financial institutions, the travel industry, international non-profits or translation work. Many UVM students go on to earn advanced degrees (M.A. and Ph.D.) and have become German or Russian teachers at the high school or university level. Because of the broad interdisciplinary focus of the College of Arts and Sciences undergraduate program, students in both majors are equipped with a broad range of transferable skills, enabling them to succeed in any profession.
 
 

  • Language Skills Opening Doors for 2017 Graduate

    A native of Chagrin Falls, Ohio, Will Julien ’17 plans on using his double major in biochemistry and Russian as a springboard into an international business career, perhaps in pharmaceuticals, agriculture, or medicine. Julian received a Critical Language Scholarship through the US State Department which provides a free intensive summer training program in a language considered critical to national security. Beginning in the fall of 2017 he’ll be teaching university level students at the Tyumen State Medical University with the support of a Fulbright grant. “With the language, I've had opportunities I couldn't have even imagined—whether it was spending weekends in Saint Petersburg and Moscow, or living in Siberia. My degree in Russian also seems to attract the attention of employers.” Julian credits the mentorship of his language professors at UVM as a key to his success. “The longer I spend abroad the more thankful I am for the level of preparation I received at UVM, especially considering the occasional logistical challenges of a double major. The level of dedication to the students as well as the depth of knowledge there is incredible.”

PATHWAYS

“I studied political science and Russian area studies at UVM. After graduation, I completed a master’s program in international relations, with a regional focus on Europe and Eurasia at George Washington University in Washington, D.C. My UVM education has helped me in the pursuit of my future goals, namely to join the Foreign Service. I have had the opportunity to intern at the U.S. Embassies in Astana, Kazakhstan and Moscow, Russia.”

—Renée Lariviere
Foreign Service Officer at U.S. Department of State, Washington, D.C.

 

“While attending UVM, I was given approval by the German and Russian department to study abroad at Chelyabinsk State University for two academic semesters, and was provided a scholarship. I have gone on to participate in the 2008-2009 ACTR (American Council of Teachers of Russian) Domestic Flagship program at the University of Maryland, as well as the ACTR academic year program in Moscow, Russia."

—Brittany Seraphin
Administrative & Production Assistant, Adventist Development Relief Agency, Silver Spring, Maryland