Notes regarding foreign language and study abroad requirements and options:
1 The 12 hours must be taken as follows:
Six (6) hours in the language must be intermediate (devoted to written and oral communication). Six (6) hours in the language from some combination of the following: 3000-level or above language classes; Language classes taken abroad; Business classes taught in the language.
A student who completes the International Business major may also receive a minor in a university approved foreign language if he/she completes six (6) additional hours at the 2000-level or above, beyond the 12 hours required in this program.
A student who completes the International Business major may also receive a major in a university approved foreign language if he/she completes the appropriate additional eighteen (18) hours at the 2000-level or above, beyond the 12 hours required in the program for a language.
A student who declares the option of a minor or major in a foreign language must submit a Change of Major form to Belmont Central.
2 The study abroad requirement may be satisfied in one of the following ways:
- A semester in a foreign university approved by Belmont University and at least six (6) credits;
- One summer program in a foreign country of at least 4 weeks duration and at least six (6) credits;
- Two short-term programs (at least 2 weeks for each) in a foreign country and at least six (6) credits;
- A professional internship approved by Belmont University in a foreign country of at least 4 weeks duration.
Transfer students who participated in a formal study abroad program at their former college or university before matriculating at Belmont University may use it to fulfill the requirement for the IB major if the study abroad experience was comparable to Belmont University programs in terms of academic rigor and duration, and if it is accepted as transfer credit by the Registrar. Ideally, the study abroad experience should be completed in a country which has a primary language the student’s language of study.
The Director of the Center for International Business can waive the study abroad requirement. Waivers are automatic for the following: International students; Students that graduated from high school abroad; Students that spent one year of high school abroad. Students that completed a significant volunteer experience such as Peace Corps; Other waivers for significant experiences and overseas employment can be granted by the Director on a case by case basis.
** A student who has been certified as fluent in both English and one of the languages listed may substitute nine hours of non-business, internationally oriented electives and three hours of business electives. Languages other than those listed may be approved by the Director of the Center for International Business or his/her designee.
