Language and International Health (B.S.)

FAST FACTS ›

  • The Clemson Language Immersion program helps prepare you for study abroad.
  • You’ll work closely with faculty in both public health and languages.
  • You’ll have many opportunities to hone your proficiency in your chosen language, using the Language Lab, joining a language club and conversing with native speakers.
  • Intensive tutoring is available through Clemson’s Academic Success Center.
ABOUT.

You have a passion for language and a desire to serve — you want to make a difference in the lives of others — and you understand that bilingual communication goes beyond a few signs posted on the wall. The need for bilingual health care providers has grown exponentially in recent years, not just in hospital settings and multicultural community centers, but throughout the health care industry. Clemson graduates in language and international health will be qualified to assume positions in a variety of settings, including hospital systems, consulting firms, managed care organizations and pharmaceutical companies. You’ll also be ready to pursue a graduate degree in community health, epidemiology and biostatistics, health administration or medical research. 

CLASSES.

What you'll study:

The program is jointly administered by departments in two Clemson colleges — the Department of Languages in the College of Architecture, Arts and Humanities and the Department of Public Health Sciences in the College of Health, Education and Human Development. This collaborative program offers you an immersive education in both language and public health. You are fully engaged in both fields of study from your very first semester.

In public health classes, you’ll study theory and practice, including the history and philosophy of public health and medicine; the organization, management and financing of health services; and the social and behavioral aspects of health, epidemiology, health evaluation methods and health communications. In language studies, you’ll gain communicative competence in either Chinese or Spanish, and an understanding of the culture, literatures, health environments and multicultural issues associated with your target language.

In the internship abroad, you’ll choose one of the following:

  • Health Administration: Work with mentors in a hospital setting, community health clinic or ministry of health to learn and apply knowledge about health administration and management.
  • Community Development: Join a community program (or NGO) organized through a university in the host country.
  • Research: Join a team with faculty and students conducting research on health, nutrition, comparative health systems, migration and epidemiology — organized through a university in the host country.

Curriculum:

Popular Minors:

  • Business Administration
  • Management
  • Political Science
  • Psychology
  • Sociology

Similar Majors:

BEYOND THE CLASSROOM.

Honing your skills in your target language is key to success in this program, and you’ll have lots of options to do so outside the classroom from organization meetings to international film viewing to volunteering. 

Internships and Research Projects:

VIDEO (â–¶):
Listen as Jess Meehan, a senior in language and international health, talks about her experience in the Clemson program.
INTERNSHIPS:
Internships abroad are widely varied to suit different goals and interests and are offered in countries around the world, including Argentina, Chile, China, Costa Rica, Dominican Republic, Peru and Spain.
VIDEO (â–¶):
Megan Dorris, a senior in language and international health, describes her internship abroad experience.
LANGUAGE LAB:
The Language Lab features versatile, open computer classroom spaces, as well as a media library and audiovisual equipment repository. Students work in the lab during class and also have access outside of class time for speaking practice.
JOIN:
The Language and International Health Society serves as a forum where program majors can meet to exchange information and ideas. It’s also a great way to get to know your peers and explore other cultures.
SYMPOSIUM:
The Language and International Health Symposium 2012 will focus on research regarding the health needs of U.S. immigrant communities and communities in Third World countries.

Connect with Other Students:

CAREERS.

What are students doing at graduation?*

27%

Employed

46%

Grad School

0%

Seeking Employment

27%

Other

Where are students headed at graduation?*

Recent employers and job titles*

  • Southside Fellowship — Administrator
  • Teach for America — Corps Member

Recent graduate schools and sought degree types*

  • Medical University of South Carolina — Doctor of Physical Therapy
  • University of North Carolina — Master of Health Administration
  • University of Virginia School of Nursing — Master of Science in Nursing

Common Career Areas**

  • Business
    • Hospital System
    • Pharmaceutical Company
    • Health Care Consulting
    • Managed Care Organization
  • Non-Profit
    • Public Health Provider
    • Multicultural Community Program
    • Disaster/Disease Relief
    • Policy Development
    • Program Administration
    • Program Evaluation
    • Volunteer Coordination
  • International Relations/Government
    • Translating/Interpreting
    • Diplomacy
    • Foreign Affairs
    • Public Service
    • Institutional/Community Development
*Represents only Clemson University graduates who completed Michelin® Career Center surveys from 2009 to 2011.
**Used w/permission from Univ. of Tennessee.
FIND OUT MORE.

Have more questions or want more information? Fill out the form below, which goes directly to the following department contact as well as our admissions office.

Graciela Tissera, Director
864-656-3493 — gtisser@clemson.edu