Foreign Language Professor
Overview
Foreign language professors teach college students how to speak, read, and write in languages like Spanish, French, German, or Mandarin. They create lesson plans and syllabi, grade assignments and exams, and help students choose courses that match their career goals. These professors use modern technology like online learning platforms and video conferencing to teach both in-person and virtual classes. Many also conduct research on language and literature, publish academic papers, and work with other faculty to design degree programs.

Did you know?
Most positions require a Ph.D. in the target language or literature, with the academic job market being highly competitive in American universities.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$72,183.78 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Speaking
Key Responsibilities
- Write letters of recommendation for students.
- Prepare and deliver lectures to undergraduate or graduate students on topics such as how to speak and write a foreign language and the cultural aspects of areas where a particular language is used.
- Act as advisers to student organizations.
- Prepare course materials, such as syllabi, homework assignments, and handouts.
- Participate in student recruitment, registration, and placement activities.
- Select and obtain materials and supplies, such as textbooks.
- Write grant proposals to procure external research funding.
- Develop and maintain Web pages for teaching-related purposes.
- Perform administrative duties, such as serving as department head.
- Keep abreast of developments in their field by reading current literature, talking with colleagues, and participating in professional organizations and activities.
- Maintain student attendance records, grades, and other required records.
- Compile, administer, and grade examinations, or assign this work to others.
- Plan, evaluate, and revise curricula, course content, course materials, and methods of instruction.
- Supervise undergraduate or graduate teaching, internship, and research work.
- Compile bibliographies of specialized materials for outside reading assignments.
- Conduct research in a particular field of knowledge and publish findings in scholarly journals, books, or electronic media.
- Participate in campus and community events.
- Organize and direct study abroad programs.
- Collaborate with colleagues to address teaching and research issues.
- Initiate, facilitate, and moderate classroom discussions.
- Serve on academic or administrative committees that deal with institutional policies, departmental matters, and academic issues.
- Advise students on academic and vocational curricula and on career issues.
- Maintain regularly scheduled office hours to advise and assist students.
- Evaluate and grade students' class work, assignments, and papers.
Career Considerations
Advanced Degree Requirements
Most positions require a Ph.D. in the target language or literature, with the academic job market being highly competitive in American universities.
Declining Enrollment Trends
Many U.S. colleges are experiencing reduced foreign language enrollment, leading to fewer tenure-track positions and increased reliance on adjunct faculty.
Cultural and Linguistic Authenticity
American institutions often prefer candidates with native or near-native proficiency and deep cultural knowledge of the countries where the language is spoken.