Fernando Mendieta Bravo (2025): double major International Business and MOFL - Spanish, Business Spanish minor
Studying Spanish in the Department of World Languages and Cultures has been one of the most rewarding parts of my time at JMU. I’m incredibly grateful for the support and guidance I received from the faculty; their encouragement shaped my growth both personally and professionally.
Being part of a smaller academic cohort made it easy to build strong relationships. The professors really got to know us, and we got to know them, not just as teachers, but as mentors. Having some of the same professors across different classes only strengthened those connections.
My Spanish interpretation internship showed me just how powerful language can be. Thanks to what I learned in my Spanish courses, I was able to bridge communication gaps and help members of the community in meaningful ways.
Thank you for everything this department has given me.
Natalie Reitano (2025): English major, French minor
When I started at JMU, I hadn’t planned on declaring a foreign language minor, but after taking a few French classes, I quickly realized how much I enjoyed it. Studying French at JMU not only deepened my understanding of the language and culture but also opened doors to new academic and professional opportunities I never expected. The professors are incredibly supportive, and the classes are both challenging and rewarding. Choosing to continue with French has been one of the best decisions I’ve made here.
Diego Caballero Casanova (2025): French Major, International Business major, Business French Minor
My experience studying French at JMU was truly transformative. Beyond learning the language and strengthening my communication and adaptability skills, I found a deep sense of belonging. The connections I formed with peers and faculty who shared my passion for language and made the experience even more meaningful. JMU provided me with the linguistic and cultural fluency to pursue professional opportunities at home and abroad.
Danilo Lemaic (2023): Biotechnology Major, Pre-Medicine Minor, Medical Spanish Minor
Choosing to pursue a medical Spanish minor at JMU was one of the best decisions I made during undergrad - it diversified my academic experience and opened many doors for me down the line as a pre-medicine student. Learning Spanish helped me connect with Harrisonburg’s Latino community throughout my clinical experiences. Not only did it allow for easier communication with Spanish-speaking patients, but it also fostered stronger relationships. The skills I learned as a medical Spanish minor at JMU have extended beyond undergrad and will continue to play a significant role in my medical career.
To anyone thinking about picking up a language major/minor, I couldn’t recommend it enough. Small class sizes allow you to form tight-knit communities with your peers and professors, and the faculty are dedicated to equipping you with life-long tools that will aid you in your career.
