Foreign Languages and the Business Curriculum: What Do The Students Think?

In response to heightened awareness of the globalization of the world economy, and in reaction to curricular standards set by their primary accrediting agency, business schools have moved steadily in the direction of internationalizing their curricula. However, few business schools require their students to possess or acquire second language competence. Foreign language study represents elective, and in many cases, extra coursework for business students. A survey of senior business administration students in five geographically diverse universities explored attitudes toward foreign language study, factors influencing decisions to take or not take foreign language courses, and perceptions of the relevance of second language competence to future career success. The implications of the findings are discussed, with particular emphasis on the marketing of foreign language study options to business students. (Author/MSE)