Language, Community & Character

Language learning connects you to local and global communities, broadening your horizons and expanding your worldviews.

Language & Community 

Berkeley is a big place. The world is even bigger. Find your local and global community in a language class.

With small class sizes and dedicated, experienced instructors, language classes form a place of belonging on campus.

According to a 2025 survey of US employers: 

  • 83% of US employers rank the ability to situate actions in global contexts as important or very important. 
  • 69% of US employers rank participation in a global experience (like study abroad, internships, or the exposure you gain to cultural perspectives from language courses) as important for new hires.

  • 89% of US employers rank appreciation of cultural differences as important for new hires.

Why Study Language & Culture at UC Berkeley?

UC Berkeley students describe why they choose to make language study part of their UCB experience.

Language & You

Language learning fuels personal growth, allowing you to: 

  • explore other cultural identities/perspectives and explore your own from a new perspective.

  • connect with your family heritage.

  • gain access to artistic and academic works outside the languages you already know.

Why Study Language & Culture?

UC Berkeley students share their experiences being part of language learning communities on campus.