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.
 
 

  • Study Abroad Leads to Teaching Position in Europe

    A semester abroad experience ignited a passion for teaching and travel for Jake Pelland '16 who now works as a teacher in Kirchdorf an der Krems (about an hour south of Linz) in Austria. He came to UVM with strong skills in German, but became fascinated with the Russian language and culture. "First, it seemed like an interesting language to learn. Second, Russian politics are always fascinating, and it fit well into my growing interest in international politics," he explains. Pelland's most inspiring experience at UVM? A semester in St. Petersburgh, Russia. "It was the first time I had ever left the country, and as I stayed with a Russian family that spoke no English, the first time I had ever been in an environment where I could not fall back on my native language."

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