外国语言和文化系的学生学习英语以外的其他语言以及讲这些语言的文化。通过学习外语，可以直接接触自己以外的人和文化，并有助于发展国际间的理解和敏感性。我们生活在一个复杂的世界中，全球意识，文化理解和跨文化交流是企业，政府和教育的重要方面，甚至是人类互动的重要方面。该研究领域提供了在这种竞争环境中蓬勃发展所必需的培训。外语是对其他学科（包括商业，通信，管理和信息系统，工程，历史，兽医和农业）的极好的补充。在巴黎，圣彼得堡，北京，布宜诺斯艾利斯，波恩，罗马或京都等地的夏季，学期或学年出国学习，并同时获得大学学分。
By gaining a proficiency in the Japanese language and intercultural relations, youll be ready to work effectively in today's global and diverse workplace.<br>The Japanese program at WSU offers students a choice between a standard Japanese (34 credits) major or degree, and a Japanese for the Professions major (37 credits, second major only).<br>The Japanese General degree option prepares students to continue their study of the language at the graduate level. The Japanese for the Professions degree option offers a skills-based, proficiency-oriented second major that prepares students to communicate in Japanese in professional settings.<br><br>The Japanese Professions major focuses on both language proficiency and intercultural proficiency to provide students entering today's global, diverse workplace with the communication skills necessary to work effectively within and across different language communities, increasing their employability.<br><br>Three years of Japanese language study and English-language courses on Japanese and Asian culture are offered in the Japanese General Major. Students can minor in Japanese or minor in Asian Studies with an emphasis on Modern Asia. The Japanese minor complements a range of majors and professions, and creates greater opportunities to learn, work, and study abroad.