As you might expect, IUHPFL alumni have gone on to do widely varied and interesting things. Of all degrees sought by the alumni respondents, 31% were in a Humanities field, 24% in a STEM field, and 23% in a social science field, with Business (9%), Education (9%), and Arts (4%) also represented. Of survey respondents, 87% reported continuing to study their IUHPFL target language after the program, and 45% reported studying other languages. Eighty-four percent agreed with the statement “My participation in IUHPFL encouraged me to pursue additional international experiences during college/my post-secondary education” and 77% said that they had more opportunities in college/graduate school because of their knowledge of language(s) other than English.
In open-ended responses, numerous common themes emerged including that, for many, knowing a language opened up opportunities within their career. For others, language knowledge itself has not always been used professionally, but skills gleaned from language learning (e.g., syntax, de-coding) have been. Similarly, skills gained from studying abroad—such as communication skills, confidence, problem solving, and critical thinking) have been helpful professionally. Many respondents indicated that their IUHPFL experience had been great to use as an example in an interview, and that the experience and language skills have helped them build rapport with clients, coworkers, students, and others. On a personal level, many respondents commented that their language learning journeys have helped them build flexibility, empathy, and understanding and have helped them make connections and foster relationships that they may not have otherwise.
