On this page:
Get Involved
Classwork, internships, immersion programs, and independent study create opportunities to network and interact with native speakers. These experiences provide students with an advantage in the competitive environment of today's global marketplace.
Research
Ecological Civilization in China Program
In collaboration with the United International College (UIC) in Zhuhai (near Macau and Hong Kong), Trinity and UIC students complete a 3-week course on “Ecology and Bio-conservation of China,” which includes comprehensive fieldwork in the nearby area. At the conclusion of the program, five UIC students travel to our Trinity campus to conduct undergraduate research in the Center for Science and Innovation.
Department Honors
Qualified majors can conduct their own research during their final two or three semesters at Trinity, write an honors thesis in their selected language, literature, culture, and area studies, and graduate with honors from our department.
Office of Experiential Learning
Undergraduate research is central to Trinity University's values. The Office of Experiential Learning provides a place for students to gain information about internships, community service and service-learning opportunities, beyond the classroom course projects, and undergraduate research opportunities.
Study Abroad
Students have the opportunity to study language and culture all over the world.
There are many study abroad opportunities available for students studying Chinese, French, German, Russian, and Spanish. To name a few, the Department of modern languages and literatures supports the Trinity University Summer in Madrid Program, the Shanghai Summer Program, and the Ecological Civilization in China Program, which give students a new and different platform from which to learn and grow while furthering their education.
Featured Programs
-
Chinese
-
Shanghai Summer Program
Held on the campus of our exchange partner, Shanghai Jiao Tong University (SJTU), students spend two-weeks studying contemporary China with both a Trinity professor and a SJTU professor. Field trips take students to Beijing, nearby cities, and pertinent Shanghai government and business installations. In the final month, students intern in a business or institution of their choice in Shanghai.Ecological Civilization in China Program
In collaboration with the United International College (UIC) in Zhuhai (near Macau and Hong Kong), Trinity and UIC students complete a 3-week course on “Ecology and Bio-conservation of China,” which includes comprehensive fieldwork in the nearby area. At the conclusion of the program, five UIC students travel to our Trinity campus to conduct undergraduate research in the Center for Science and Innovation.Travel Grants
Field Fellowship for Summer Research in China
Considering both financial need and academic merit, this scholarship covers a portion of the student’s tuition to study abroad with the Shanghai program.Sharon L. and Donald E. Kurtti Fellowship for Summer Research in China
This scholarship is awarded based on both financial need and academic merit and covers a portion of the tuition for the Ecological Civilization in China program.Trinity Journey EAST Travel Grant
Travel grants are awarded to students who plan to study abroad in East Asia with a non-Trinity program for academic credit, but who may need financial assistance to do so.
-
French
-
The French program works closely with Trinity’s study abroad program through the Center for International Engagement, making it possible for majors and minors to study in another country immersed in language and cultural studies. Many students find internship opportunities in France and make them part of their academic program.
-
German
-
Studying abroad in Germany, the world’s fourth largest economy, is made easy by Trinity’s close connections to programs in Berlin and Freiberg.
Global City Berlin Program
Students examine the political tensions surrounding increased immigration to and diversity in Berlin and Germany during the past and the present.
-
Russian
-
Students frequently study abroad for a summer or a semester in the Russian Federation.
CIEE in St. Petersburg
Spend a semester in St. Petersburg studying Russian language, literature, history, the arts, and culture. Students enroll in a broad range of courses, from advanced grammar to area studies.Middlebury College Summer Russian School
This summer immersion program places students in a Russian-only speaking environment with rigorous coursework.Scholarship
U.S. State Department Critical Language Scholarship in the former Soviet Union
With this highly competitive state department scholarship, students can spend a summer studying Russian in the former Soviet Union.
-
Spanish
-
Summer in Madrid
For six weeks, students report to an internship and faculty-led classes by day, experience culture by night, and make weekend excursions to Spanish historical sites across the country.Fall in Madrid
Explore the many faces of Spain in a full-semester experience abroad. Students live with Spanish families, participate in part-time internships, and truly experience the multicultural complexities of both “old” and “new” Spain.Costa Rica Summer program
Students encounter complex ecosystems in the Costa Rican Ecology Program, spending a month surveying and sampling a variety of mammals while studying the physical and cultural differences of the country from rainforests to cloud forests.Cuba Beyond the Classroom Experience (Spring 2021)
During Spring Break, students will travel to Cuba and be able to learn from activists and experts how Cuban political resiliency and current transition is impacting social discourses around gender roles, racial animosities and healthcare outreach.
Get Started
The Study Abroad Office can help you find an opportunity based on your interests and/or studies.
Study Abroad Office
studyabroad@trinity.edu
Experiential Learning
Internships, often in conjunction with study abroad opportunities, allow students to immerse themselves in the language of their choosing and get real-world experience using their language skills.
Find an Internship
Trinity uses the Handshake system to share all job and internship opportunities with students.
Office of Experiential Learning
celcs@trinity.edu
Student Organizations
Language Clubs
Chinese Language and Culture Club
One of the oldest student organizations on campus, the Chinese Language and Culture Club boasts more than 100 members who strive to bring many of China's traditions and celebrations--from dim sum to Lunar New Year festival--to the Trinity campus.
French Club
This club works to promote the French language as well as Francophone cultures among the students, teachers, and staff of the Trinity community.
German Club
The German Club offers students a fun and friendly atmosphere to practice speaking German and to join in cultural events on campus and in the broader San Antonio community. People at all levels of German-speaking ability meet regularly for coffee, snacks, and conversation. Additionally, the German Club participates in many other campus activities such as international celebrations, environmental initiatives, and arts programs.
Russian Club
The Russian Club is a student organization open to anyone with an interest in Russia. It helps to organize lectures, film showings, conversation tables, and social events.
¡Venga! Spanish Conversational Club
¡Venga! is a student club whose main goal is to provide an informal and supportive environment in which students feel comfortable practicing conversational Spanish. It also connects students to cultural activities on campus by encouraging attendance at MAS programs and initiating opportunities for members to engage with San Antonio's dynamic culture.
Honor Societies
Delta Phi Alpha | German
The National German Honor Society, Delta Phi Alpha, seeks to recognize excellence in the study of German and to provide an incentive for higher scholarship. The Society promotes the study of the German language, literature, and civilization and emphasizes those aspects of German life and culture that are of universal value and contribute to the eternal search for peace and truth. Contact professor Heather Sullivan for further information.
Pi Delta Phi | French
Pi Delta Phi is the French National Honor Society for undergraduate and graduate students at accredited public and private colleges and universities in the United States. The society recognizes outstanding scholarship in French language and literature, increases student's knowledge and appreciation of the cultural contributions of the French-speaking world, and stimulates and encourages French cultural activities. Contact professor Nina Ekstein for further information.
Sigma Delta Pi | Hispanic
Sigma Delta Pi is the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society. The Society's purposes are: to honor those who attain excellence in the language literature, and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples; to honor Hispanic's contributions to modern culture better; to encourage a greater interest in and a deeper understanding of Hispanic culture; to foster friendly relations and mutual respect between Hispanic-speaking and English-speaking nations; and to serve its membership in ways that will contribute to the attainment of the goals and ideals of the society. Contact professor Rosana Blanco-Cano for further information.
Other
Trinity University Latino Association (TULA)
Trinity’s association for Latino/a students runs a variety of cultural events on campus where students can connect, recreate and explore with LatinX culture.
LatinX Leadership Program
Designed for Latinx students, this program develops nontraditional leadership skills outside of resumes and public speaking, such as community building, cultural understanding, and networking.
Join today
Use the Student Organization Portal to join an active organization or start one on campus.
Student Involvement Office
getinvolved@trinity.edu
Lecture Series and Events
EAST and Chinese Program Reception
The annual EAST and Chinese Program Reception is held during Fall Family Weekend, when faculty, alumni, and former students are invited to meet current students and their parents and friends. EAST scholarship recipients are recognized and the Phoenix Award for Outstanding Student in East Asian Studies is awarded. The reception is attended by the president, and is graciously sponsored by an alumnus.
Lunar New Year Festival
The annual Lunar New Year festival--founded by the first graduate of the Chinese program, with a history of 25 years at Trinity--celebrates the most important holiday in East Asian cultures from Korea and Japan, to China, Vietnam, and the Philippines. Sponsored by a consortium of East Asian student organizations, the lively event features dance, song, martial arts, skits, and more, showcasing the multicultural talent of the Trinity community of students and faculty.