Logo for Your Global Future Indiana

Unlock opportunities in Indiana’s global economy with language and culture skills

Did you know Indiana employers are looking for people who speak other languages and understand different cultures? Whether it’s a small business starting to export to Africa, a German-owned company based here, or a healthcare center serving diverse communities, having multilingual and culturally aware employees makes a big difference.

No matter where you live—city or countryside—building your language and culture skills is one of the smartest moves you can make for your future and for Indiana’s success.

Indiana’s global connections might surprise you

Choose a foreign language to learn

Which language is best for your future?

Explore language opportunities

How do I develop language and cultural skills in Indiana?

Discover which careers need language skills

Do I need a language if I'm not going to teach foreign language?

How learning languages can benefit your future career

Learning another language isn’t just about speaking—it can seriously expand your future opportunities. Here’s how:

  1. Stand out in the job market: Knowing a second language helps your resume stand out. It shows you’re a strong communicator and comfortable working with people from different backgrounds—qualities that employers value in almost every field.
  2. Unlock global career paths: Languages can lead to careers in international business, diplomacy, travel, and more. Many companies in Indiana have global connections, and being bilingual can help you land jobs that involve international clients or offices.
  3. Strengthen your communication skills: Learning a language improves how you express yourself—even in English. That’s a big plus in fields like marketing, healthcare, education, and customer service, where clear communication is key.
  4. Boost your brainpower: Language learners often have better memory, focus, and problem-solving skills. These mental advantages can help you succeed in any career you choose.
  5. Gain cultural understanding: Speaking another language helps you understand different cultures and perspectives. That cultural awareness can be a big advantage in careers that involve working with diverse groups of people.
  6. Travel and work abroad: Want to see the world? Knowing a foreign language makes travel more meaningful and opens doors to study, intern, or work abroad.
  7. Build global connections: Being multilingual helps you connect with more people, grow your network, and access opportunities across borders.

Bottom line: Learning a language can give you a serious edge—professionally and personally. It’s a smart step toward a more connected and exciting future.

 

Tom Miller from PNC Bank in Indiana explains how mastering languages and international relations skills can open doors to global opportunities.

Learn phrases in less commonly taught languages

Watch Indiana University CIBER's Language & Culture Video Series to explore unique cultures and pick up basic phrases in less commonly taught languages like Hungarian or Swahili.