Why study Italian?

Italian is more than just a language; it's a gateway to a rich tapestry of culture, history, and art. Spoken by over sixty million people worldwide, from Italy to Switzerland, South America, and East Africa, Italian is not only a linguistic medium but also a key to international business, culture, and fashion. At the Department of World Languages and Literatures, we invite you to embark on a journey into the heart of Italy and its vibrant heritage.

Studying Italian offers you a multitude of possibilities. Whether you're planning to study abroad in Italy's beautiful cities, enhancing your cultural knowledge, or considering a minor in Italian, our program has something unique to offer.

Language Resources 

Our students have access to a wide range of resources to enhance their Italian learning journey. From a comprehensive language library to state-of-the-art language labs, we provide a supportive environment for language acquisition. Cultural events, film screenings, and conversation groups further enrich the learning experience.

Extracurriculars and Clubs

Immerse yourself in the Italian-speaking world through clubs and events organized by our passionate student community. From conversation circles to Italian film nights, there are ample opportunities to practice and engage with the language outside the classroom.

Your Italian Experience

Our Italian language program offers language and literature courses to immerse you in various aspects of Italy's rich historical and cultural heritage. Our experienced instructors are dedicated to providing a rigorous yet lively curriculum. 

Career Opportunities

Proficiency in Italian is a powerful asset in today's job market. Graduates from our Italian program have gone on to excel in various fields, including international business, education, and the arts. The demand for Italian speakers extends to industries such as fashion, design, art, and architecture. 

Industry Demand

According to labor market data, the demand for professionals with Italian language skills has seen a steady increase in recent years. Industries such as fashion, design, and culinary arts highly value proficiency in Italian due to Italy's global prominence in these fields. Additionally, Italy hosts numerous international events, creating opportunities for Italian speakers in event management and hospitality.

Get in Touch

For more information about the Italian program, admissions, or any other inquiries, feel free to reach out to us at wll_advising@sfu.ca. We're here to help you embark on a journey of linguistic and cultural discovery!

Unlock a world of possibilities with Italian proficiency. Join us at Department of World Languages and Literatures and be part of a community that celebrates language, culture, and global connections.

“I have been able to form such deep connections with family and friends across the sea in ways that I never could have because of the language barrier that was once there.”

Why did you decide to study Italian?
I decided to study Italian because I wanted to learn the language of my family! Each of my grandparents came to Canada to start a new life when they were very young. After my parents were born, my grandparents spoke to them in Italian because it was still difficult to speak English, but my parents, who were able to speak both English and Italian, decided to only speak English to my siblings and me, so we would be able to speak the language around us here in Canada. Although I already had some background knowledge, I wanted to be able to speak Italian fluently to connect on another level to my relatives here in Canada, as well as in Italy!

How does Italian fit into your academic profile?
I would like to be a high school teacher once I complete my Bachelor’s Degree, so I thought that having a second language would be a great asset for this career choice! I decided to complete the Italian Minor, and it has been a wonderful experience!

What are the benefits of taking Italian classes?
I think that there are so many benefits that come from learning Italian, and really, any language. Through language, humans are able to connect to one another, to share stories, to learn new things, and I think that any additional opportunities that allow for this sort of connection  broaden one’s horizon!

Share a personal/surprising story about your connection to Italian.
In learning the Italian language, I have been able to form such deep connections with family and friends across the sea in ways that I never could have because of the language barrier that was once there. I have been lucky enough to learn so much through my experience, and have had the chance to really connect not only to family and friends, but also learn about literature, music, film, and so much more! I could not be more grateful for this experience!

“Studying Italian at SFU introduced me not only to the language, but also to culture and tradition in a fun and engaging environment.”

Why did you decide to study Italian?
I have always loved studying languages, partly for interest, but also because I love to travel. The last time I travelled to Italy, I found myself wishing I could converse in Italian with the people I met. Studying Italian at SFU introduced me not only to the language, but also to culture and tradition in a fun and engaging environment.

How does Italian fit into your academic profile?
I’m a History and English joint major, so taking Italian was mostly for interest/elective purposes. I took lots of courses within my major studies which focused on and included Italian history, literature, and art. Learning Italian helped round out my knowledge on these subjects.

What are the benefits of taking Italian classes?
The structure of the courses is easy to follow and well-paced. There is ample time in class for speaking and for grammar practice. I learned a lot in a short period of time and I am comfortable and confident with conversational Italian after just two courses. I also have something new to add to my resume as well as a skill which I can use when I travel.

Say something in Italian.
"Buona fortuna agli studenti che vogliono studiare italiano all'università!"