Day in the life
A Day in the Life of a Foreign Language Professor
What foreign language professors actually do from the start of a shift to the end: the tasks, tools, schedule and realities of the job.
What is a typical day like for a foreign language professor?
Teach beginning Spanish. From there, the day usually includes teach language courses, teach literature and culture, and lead study abroad programs. Teaching and research with flexible hours and optional summer travel.
Hour by hour: a typical shift
No two days are identical, but this timeline reflects a realistic day for a foreign language professor working full time.
- Teach beginning Spanish.
- Teach intermediate conversation.
- Hold office hours.
- Teach a Latin American film course.
- Plan a study abroad trip.
- Lead a conversation table.
- Grade compositions.
Where foreign language professors work
Faculty work in classrooms, language labs and abroad on study programs.
Hours and schedule
Teaching and research with flexible hours and optional summer travel.
Tasks you’ll do most often
- Teach language courses
- Teach literature and culture
- Lead study abroad programs
- Run conversation hours
- Conduct research
- Mentor students
- Develop courses
Tools you’ll use every day
- Language learning platforms
- Learning management systems
- Audio and video tools
- Online dictionaries
- Proficiency assessments
- Presentation tools
The best and hardest parts of the job
What people like
- Share a language you love
- Study abroad travel
- Cultural exchange
- Flexible schedule
What’s hard
- Competitive job market
- Programs face cuts
- Heavy grading
- Many adjunct roles
You’ll likely thrive if…
- I speak another language well
- I love other cultures
- I like teaching
- I’m patient with beginners
- I want to lead trips abroad
- I’m willing to earn a doctorate
Not sure? Take the free Foreign Language Professor fit quiz or the Career Match Quiz.
Staying safe on the job
- Follow study abroad safety plans
- Protect student privacy
- Check travel advisories
- Follow campus safety