Center for Languages and Cultures
The USC Center for Languages and Cultures’s main mission is to promote language learning at USC.
For Students
Language and Career Week 2026
Are you ready to turn your language skills into career opportunities? Many of our students build successful careers in diverse fields such as business, education, government, and the nonprofit sector, while others pursue advanced degrees. Language proficiency and intercultural competence are key to working effectively across cultural perspectives in an evolving global landscape.
Join us for Language & Career Week in February 2026—a dynamic series of panels, roundtables, and networking opportunities designed to help you bridge the gap between language learning and professional success. Hear from industry experts, alumni, and faculty about how languages have shaped their careers, and discover how your language skills can open doors in unexpected ways.
Check out the full schedule and start planning your week!
Certificate of Language Proficiency in Two or More Languages
Showcase your multilingual skills with our Language Proficiency Certificate!
Gain official recognition for mastering at least two foreign languages, advancing your studies beyond standard requirements. Stand out academically and professionally—earn your personalized certificate and digital badge today!
Multilingual Board Game Corner
Join us at the Multilingual Board Game Corner in THH 309!
Come and play exciting games in many different languages, meet new friends, and practice your language skills in a fun and relaxed environment. Whether you’re a beginner or fluent, there’s a game for everyone.
For Faculty
Spring 2026 Professional Development Series
Artificial Intelligence at the Crossroads of Teaching and Learning in Intermediate-to-Advanced Language Education
Bana Marine Dahi
Friday, February 6th, 10:00 AM
About the speaker: Bana Marine Dahi, visiting assistant professor of French, Romance Languages and Literatures Department, Pomona College
Dornsife Language Faculty Spotlight: Celebrating Our Year of Achievements
Friday, March 6th, 1:00 PM
Presenters: Atiyeh Showrai, Francesca Ricciardelli, Hsiao-Yun Liao
Meeting ID: 920 9110 1301
Password: 041553
Christiane Reves, PhD
Friday, April 4th, 12:00 PM
About the speaker: Christiane Reves, PhD, Clinical Assistant Professor, Language Program Director, Department of German, DAAD Ortslektor, New York University
Excellence in Language Teaching Award
Nominate yourself for the Dornsife Excellence in Language Teaching Award and be recognized for outstanding teaching, innovation, and contributions to the language community. This award honors RTPC language faculty whose work has had a meaningful impact over the past three academic years and includes a $1,500 contribution to the recipient’s research fund.
Application deadline: March 2, 2026
Click here for eligibility details and application instructions
Faculty Grants
Professional Development Grants support RTPC faculty with funding of up to $500 for conference participation, research, technology, and other professional development expenses.
Language Teaching Innovation Grants support USC language faculty exploring innovative teaching methods, strategies, and tools that enhance student learning and collaboration across programs, with up to two grants of $800 awarded each year.
Applications for the 2026–2027 grants will open in late Summer Fall 2026.
CLC is the home of Trojan Bloom
Trojan Bloom, USC’s multilingual student literary journal features literary works by undergraduate and graduate students in 17+languages.
Undergraduate
CLC offers a number of opportunities for students wishing to study languages at USC.
Faculty
CLC provides support for faculty teaching languages and cultures at USC through grants, professional development opportunities and by fostering a community of practice.
Graduate Students
Graduate students teaching languages at USC (ALs) are supported through training, professional development opportunities, an award and many other resources.
Language Scholarships
USC offers a number of funding opportunities for those who study languages and cultures
Sean Silvia ’23
Learning foreign languages at USC has allowed me to access a vast world of non-English texts that were instrumental to my historical research. For me, nothing compares to the experience of reading a text in the original language. It’s a very human feeling. You feel such a wonderful connection to a person who comes from a completely different perspective than you. You get a much better and richer understanding of the source as well. I will continue to study languages after I graduate, and USC has instilled in me both a strong passion and a valuable skillset for learning foreign languages.
Language Programs in the News
Read articles about our language programs published in the USC newspaper Daily Trojan
The contest let students showcase their adventures overseas with photography.
A student initiative aims to increase the amount of languages offered at USC.
A fixture of the USC Languages department on campus since last November, the Trojan Bloommultilingual literary journal aims to provide a creative outlet to writers in non-English languages taught at USC — and expand the journal to cover more languages spoken in the wider campus community.
Tania Apshankar ’23
My love for languages bloomed when I took my first Spanish class as a freshman at USC. Ever since, I have had the opportunity to grow in my Spanish abilities at an advanced level, and also begin learning Persian. Studying, and engaging in the language learning community inspired me to help start Trojan Bloom, USC’s first multilingual journal to give students on campus a platform to share their creative works in foreign languages. As a graduating senior, seeing the community grow everyday inspires me so much to continue studying languages!
CLC Annual Reports
Contact Us
Center for Languages and Cultures
3501 Trousdale Parkway, THH 309
Los Angeles, CA 90089
If you have a question about language placement test, contact language@usc.edu or the specific language program director.