Mandarin Chinese is the most widely used language in the world, spoken by more than 1 billion people. The language is spoken not only in the People’s Republic of China and Taiwan but also in Chinese communities throughout the world. China itself is the world’s most populous nation and is one of the United States’ largest trading partners. It also sports the second largest economy in the world. With a minor in Chinese, coupled with other areas of study, students at Pacific can prepare for and be competitive in a wide variety of careers, such as international affairs, business, tourism, education, journalism, humanities and social sciences. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor, employees with foreign language skills can expect a labor market for translators and interpreters that will grow much faster than other areas of employment. In addition, English is considered a necessary language for many Chinese people, and English teachers for preschool to university level courses are in high demand because of China’s fast growing economy. Those who know Chinese will be able to take advantage of teaching and other work opportunities in China as well as with organizations and industries that do business there. Graduates of Pacific University have found work in China as teachers.

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