Frequently Asked Questions
What courses are required to complete the program?
Foreign Language and International Studies (FLIS) Major:
The FLIS major consists of 18 hours of a language, 18 hours from courses in international studies, and an international
immersion experience as outlined below:
- 18 hours in the same language at and above the 200-level in French, German, or Spanish;
- 18 hours of international studies as follows:
- 9 hours of: ANTH 111, COMM 313, and GEOG 175;
- 6 hours chosen from: PS 308, PS 323, PS 325;
- 3 hours chosen from: HIST 320, HIST 327, THEO 307;
- FLIS 490 (3 hours);
- FLIS Major Study Abroad Requirement: At least one international study experience in a Bellarmine approved program abroad, representing the language being studied as the native tongue. This can be a semester, a year, or an 8-week summer experience.
- FLIS 201 is required for all Bellarmine students studying abroad for a semester or a year. It must be taken the semester before departure for study abroad.
Spanish Major:
- 200-level (12 credits): SPAN 201 Exploration of Topics in Spanish I; SPAN 202 Exploration of Topics in Spanish II; SPAN 211 Spanish Conversation and Composition; SPAN 212 Spanish Conversation and Composition.
- 300-level (12 credits): SPAN 312 Advanced Spanish Composition (an equivalent level course may be substituted); SPAN 315 Introduction to 20th century Hispanic Literature; SPAN 320 Hispanic Culture and Civilization; SPAN 350 Practical Translation.
- 400-level (12 credits): SPAN 490, plus nine additional SPAN credits at the 400-level (to be chosen in consultation with advisor to form a major focus area).
- Required Spanish Major Immersion Experience: Students majoring in Spanish with sufficient skills must do one of the following options approved by the GLC department chair in consultation with the Spanish Language advisor:
- Internship for at least eight weeks in a Spanish-speaking environment.
- Service learning for at least eight weeks in a Spanish-speaking environment.
- Participate in a Bellarmine University Study Abroad program for at least one summer term.
What employment opportunities are available with a FLIS degree?
The FLIS major builds a solid foundation for careers in international relations, industry, government, and human resources, and for graduate degrees in international law, foreign relations, diplomacy, government and global language teaching. Bellarmine FLIS students have found job and internship placements with CNN, Kentucky World Trade Center, the French Embassy, FBI, ATF, various international organizations in Washington, D.C., World Bank, and many others. Many graduates have chosen to begin their careers by teaching or volunteering overseas with the embassies of Spain, France, and Germany.
Must I study abroad to earn this degree?
Yes. Each degree candidate must have at least one international study experience in a Bellarmine-approved program abroad, representing the language being studied as the native tongue. This can be a semester, a year, or a summer experience. While abroad, a student should focus on language study, but is also encouraged to use this opportunity for study of electives or interdisciplinary requirements.
Do you provide job or internship placement?
Yes. Bellarmine guarantees every student the opportunity to have an internship, develop a career plan and build a professional network. Bellarmine FLIS students have found internship and job placements with the TFA, EON, Humana, PNC Bank, CNN, Kentucky World Trade Center, French Embassy, FBI, ATF, various international organizations in Washington, D.C., World Bank, and many others.
Is financial aid available?
Yes. Please go to Bellarmine’s financial aid website for detailed information on financial
aid packages. Additionally, students can work with our Faculty Development Center to apply for grants and awards outside of the Bellarmine offerings.
How many hours can I expect to spend studying outside of class time?
It is expected that students will complete a minimum of 9 hours of out-of-classroom activity per week in addition to their 3 hours in class in a normal 15-week semester.