Language Programs Lean into Global Connections

To give Saints more learning and career opportunities, Siena has updated its French and Spanish language programs and revamped its international studies minor.

"Our redesigned programs offer students greater flexibility and exciting opportunities, while equipping them with the skills employers seek for success in a global career," said Nathalie Degroult, Ph.D., chair of the Department of Modern Languages and Classics, professor of French, and director of the international studies minor.

Siena's language programs combine the structure of grammar studies with culture, history and global connections to prepare students for careers in education, business and diplomacy.

"It was our goal to make the Spanish major and minor more flexible for our students, and our new internship course, Spanish 375, will give them the opportunity to pursue valuable work experience either in person or online in Spanish," said Marcela Garcés, professor of Spanish.

Gabrielle Hix '27 said the changes made to the Spanish program will give her the chance to earn a double major in Spanish as well as biology.

"I am going to be a doctor, and I believe the most important skill I will need is simply the ability to listen to patients and understand not only the ailments they are dealing with but also their backgrounds and wishes for the future," Hix said. "The Spanish Department here at Siena has recognized the need for future medical professionals like myself to pursue language learning in addition to studying the sciences, and the updated course requirements for majors and minors reflect this. Thanks to them, I have the chance to continue learning Spanish in a wide variety of classes abroad, and I hope I will be able to help others with the skills I gain."

Lilia Livolsi '26, a double major in psychology and French, likes to study how different cultures see and experience the world. She noted how the material selected for her Quebec and Franco-American Literature class with Janet Shideler, Ph.D., professor of French, inspired her to study further afield.

"The books she chose for us brought the values and beauty of the Québécois culture to life so vividly that I fell in love and decided to experience it for myself," she said. "I studied abroad in Quebec City last summer, immersing myself in the forests, language, and food of Quebec!! I was only able to fully understand and appreciate my time there thanks to the passion and dedication Dr. Shideler taught the course with."

Course details of the revamped programs can be found here:

B.A. in Spanish
B.A. in Spanish Education
Minor in Spanish

B.A. in French
B.A. in French Adolescence Education Dual Major
Minor in French

Minor in International Studies