WSU's program in foreign languages and cultures studies languages other than English and the cultures where these languages are spoken. Studying a foreign language enables development of global and cultural understanding. Foreign language proficiency is an important tool in many professions. Students placing in 200- or 300-level courses may receive up to 8 departmental advanced placement credits for prior level courses, if the credits have not already been earned through AP or transfer. Advising for international area studies, an option in the general studies program, is provided in the Department of Foreign Languages and Cultures. Scholarships are offered annually to new and ongoing students, and for study abroad. Students may complete up to 12 credits a semester or 18 credits for two semesters in a study-abroad program to count as coursework in their language majors.