Foreign language majors can work in either interpretation (spoken word) or translation (written word) fields. Most language majors also major in another subject, which the language skills can be applied to. Possible careers include:

• International Business/Trade/Law, etc. - any field that is found in the global marketplace has a need for foreign language experts
• Diplomacy
• Intelligence - the FBI, CIA, and other agencies need language experts in all capacities
• Literature Interpretation, Journalism, and other Communications - translate novels, articles, and the like, or be a foreign correspondent
• Medical fields - interpret for patients and doctors; requires medical background
• Tourism - this exciting field can include plenty of travel; examples of jobs include travel agent, tour guide, and flight attendant
• Education - in addition to the obvious (K-12 teacher or private tutor), education majors can teach abroad or be tutors and administrators of the popular English as a Second Language tests, such as the TOEFL and TEFL; requires teaching certificate(s)
• Judiciary interpreters - assist people in court; must have knowledge of US and foreign legal systems
• Localization translators - help adapt a product, such as software, for foreign use; requires extensive knowledge of the product involved

Salaries vary, of course, depending on what job one chooses and his or her level of expertise and experience. For non-salaried workers (including tour guides, private tutors, contractors, etc.), earnings may vary depending on the availability of work. Some salary figures for 2002:

• Interpreters and translators - $15.67/hour
• Experienced conference interpreters can earn over $100,000 in a year
• Federal government language specialists - $64,234/year (2003)
• Preschool through high school teachers - $39,810/year; self-enrichment teachers (tutoring those learning a language for fun) - $14.09/hour; adult literacy teachers - $17.50/hour
• Travel agents - $26,630/year