Employment

The Modern Languages Department offers selected students several employment opportunities. For example, student Assistant Teachers (A.T.s) are a vital part of first-year French and Spanish programs. Trained in advance, A.T.s meet once or twice a week with small groups of students. They drill grammar structures, help students practice vocabulary in communicative settings, and they introduce pedagogically-useful games. Many A.T.s intend to become teachers. However, regardless of their major, former Assistant Teachers agree that this opportunity teaches them valuable career skills. For example, they learn how to gain the respect of their peers, to give clear presentations, to organize an hour or more of activities, and to keep the interest level high.  Students of French, German and Spanish may also work as office aides or second-language tutors.

 

Colleges of Distinction, a national college guide for students, parents and counselors, identifies Alma College as "one of the best places to learn, grow and succeed." The Colleges of Distinction publication recognizes institutions for their commitment to engaged students, great teaching, vibrant communities and successful outcomes.

 

Student Profile

George Brittain

George Brittain
Graduation: 2013
Major: German

Having already traveled to the country twice, George Brittain says what makes it great is “das deutsche Volk”—the people!.

The German major spent five weeks in Cologne, where his family knew missionaries who could introduce him to the city and culture. On another trip, he stayed in the small town of Kusel while completing a three-month internship.