Languages

Bachelor of Arts (BA)

Study culture, history, linguistics, translation and much more to acquire practical skills in reading, writing and oral communication.

Languages classroom

A certificate icon
Degree

Bachelor

Length

4 years

Faculty/School

Faculty of Creative and Critical Studies

Why study Languages at UBC Okanagan?

For students looking for an international perspective, the study of other languages provides an avenue of study to several regions of the world. The language-learning aspect of the program covers practical skills and daily application of both languages, as well as skills that are transferable to a work environment and an academic setting.

Acquire strong fluency in French and in Spanish through courses in grammar, conversation and translation, while exploring aspects of a variety of languages and cultural studies, including linguistics, literature, cinema, history and politics.

Studying linguistics and culture enables students to communicate across various cultures and geographical areas, and widens their scope of understanding of world languages. Students take course in Spanish, French and choose from a variety of courses in a third language, such as German, Japanese, Korean and Mandarin Chinese.

Degree Options

Bachelor of Arts undergraduates can graduate with major in languages. Students can declare languages as their major at the end of their first year.

Students can also add a minor in French or spanish to their languages major. Students can also complete a dual degree program with a BA and Masters of Management.

Students may supplement their major with a cross-disciplinary approach by taking related courses in world literatures, political science, international relations, cultural studies, human geography, anthropology, economics or history. These additional courses contribute to the broadening of students’ understanding of language and communication.

Sample Courses

The language courses are designed to improve skills in reading, composition and oral communication, and foster critical analysis of cultural material and intercultural understanding.

These are examples of courses you can enrol in during your studies. View course descriptions for the current academic year. Browse the various language courses and descriptions in the academic calendar.

FREN 122: Language and Literature I
SPAN 101: Beginners’ Spanish I
CHIN 100: Basic Chinese
GERM100: Beginners German

FREN 222 French Language and Style I
SPAN 201 Advanced Beginners’ Spanish I
GERM 210: Intermediate German
JPST 201: Continuing Japanese Language

FREN 353 Advanced Grammar
SPAN 301 Intermediate Spanish I
FREN 357 Translation I
SPAN 360 Literature and Power in the Hispanic World

FREN 459 Translation
FREN 444: French for Work: Professional Oral Performance
JPST 395: Topics in Modern Japanese Literature and Culture
SPAN 411: Spanish Applied Linguistics

Plan your academic journey by exploring the undergraduate academic planning guide designed for Bachelor of Arts students. We have provided some information to choose which first year language courses are right for you.

Explore customized Program Plans designed to support your journey to graduation and beyond.

Careers and Outcomes

UBC degrees are respected by employers around the globe. Program graduates will have the skills to pursue a career in a variety of fields like,

  • Bilingual educator
  • Citizenship and immigration office
  • Community worker
  • Non-profit agency worker
  • ESL instructor
  • Foreign correspondent
  • Foreign services officer
  • Hospitality manager
  • Import/export specialist
  • Intercultural educator
  • International banking officer
  • Language assessor
  • Hospitality manager
  • Import/export specialist
  • Intercultural educator
  • International banking officer
  • Language assessor
  • Linguist
  • Museum assistant
  • Overseas personnel manager
  • Peacekeeping officer
  • Public policy analyst
  • Public Relations officer
  • Radio/TV announcer
  • Tour operator/guide
  • Translator/interpreter
  • Tour agent/designer
  • Travel writer

Learning multiple languages can help you secure a career as a bilingual educator, community worker, development agency worker or translator; or continue your education to work in professions such as law, teaching, and international relations.

Admission, Fees, Applying

You could soon be studying at one of the world’s top universities. Be sure to review the content below to prepare for attending UBC Okanagan.

Experiential Learning

Expand your horizons while studying abroad, conducting meaningful research, or working in the community with your UBC colleagues.

Learn more about Co-op, Go Global, Undergraduate Research Awards and other opportunities at Experiential Education.

The Languages major offers students a comprehensive learning experience that includes such international opportunities as the English-language teaching assistant in France, and international partnerships.

Discover the Okanagan

A diverse natural region with sandy beaches, beautiful farms, vineyards, orchards and snow-capped mountains, the Okanagan is an inspirational landscape perfect for those seeking leisure or outdoor adventure.

UBC's Okanagan campus borders the dynamic city of Kelowna, a hub of economic development with a population of more than 150,000 people— the fourth fastest-growing population in Canada.