MODL Advantage

The Department of Modern Languages is committed to UTA’s initiative—the Maverick Advantage—which provides undergraduate students with a competitive edge by connecting them with the University’s experiential learning ecosystem. Our MODL Advantage offers students experience with the Five Distinguishing Activities of the Maverick Advantage:

  • Career Development
  • Community Engagement
  • Global Engagement
  • Leadership Development
  • Undergraduate Research

We invite students to participate in these experiential learning opportunities to enhance their career preparedness, dedication to lifelong learning, and appreciation of a diverse and inclusive community.

Career Development

Advance your career with languages! Click here to see what professional opportunities MODL students are prepared for.

Our department provides students with several internship opportunities, as well as employment opportunities with our community partners after graduation.

Some current internships include:

  • Genesis Women's Shelter
  • Teneo Linguistics Company
  • Translation and Interpretation Network
  • Human Rights Initiative of North Texas

For more information about internship opportunities with partner organizations, contact Alicia Rueda-Acedo at aliciarueda@uta.edu. Students and alumni also find many opportunities at our annual career fair each fall semester.

Community Engagement

Our department has a strong track record of providing students with service learning and other community engagement opportunities.

For more information, contact our Community Outreach Coordinator, Dr. Alicia Rueda-Acedo.

Global Engagement

Go Bold | Go Global with Modern Languages. We offer various faculty-led study abroad programs, which provide students the opportunity to immerse themselves in another culture, enhancing their global competence.

See descriptions on the individual program pages for the following languages:

Leadership Development

Lead with Languages! Modern Languages students have a variety of leadership opportunities, including:

MODL Ambassadors

The peer-to-peer leadership program of the Department of Modern Languages is comprised of a select group of students who are chosen based on recommendations by our faculty and staff. Members must be a natural helper, able to easily engage with their peers and instructors, and show enthusiasm for our diverse learning environment. They must also exhibit a positive attitude, tactful leadership skills, and excellence in their academic achievements. Ambassadors must serve for one year and volunteer for at least six departmental or university events. Their duties include communicating with prospective students and parents, articulating the value of language study and intercultural understanding, making classroom visits on campus or at other institutions, and assisting with department communications and community outreach. For more information, contact the faculty advisor, Ms. Thelma Cabrera.

Student Groups

Students can hold an officer position in our student organizations, which offer students experience in group leadership, event planning, and community service.

Research

MODL is committed to supporting UTA’s research programs, including the College of Liberal Arts Spotlight on Student Research, the Honors College, and the McNair Scholars Program. Several of our faculty members have mentored students in research projects associated with these endeavors.

Moreover, the department holds its very own Cultural Constructions Conference every two years. Students have an opportunity to further develop projects and present their research among their peers, professors, and community in a conference setting.

For individual research projects led by MODL faculty, please contact the department Chair, Dr. Lonny Harrison.