Welcome to the School of International Letters and Cultures (SILC), where the study of languages and cultures prepares you to succeed in a globally connected world.
Our school is home to one of the most diverse and dynamic communities of scholars, educators, and students working together to explore the human experience across time, space, languages, and cultures.
In today’s interconnected world, true success comes not just from communication, but from deep understanding. That’s why students from across ASU choose to study at SILC, whether as majors, minors, for language study, graduate study, or the many engaging courses that fulfill general studies designations. Our programs prepare students to become globally competent professionals and culturally responsive citizens, equipped with the critical skills employers seek including, language proficiency, intercultural communication, adaptability, and global perspective.
At the same time, SILC empowers students to pursue their intellectual passions—whether that means how literature reflects and shapes societal values across time, engaging with contemporary social issues through multilingual and multicultural perspectives, or preparing for a career with international reach.
Inside SILC, learning is vibrant and multidimensional. On any given day, you might see:
- Students analyzing a 10th-century text in its original language
- Language students discussing the ethical and linguistic challenges of localizing public health materials
- Film and Media Studies students comparing cinematic storytelling techniques in Japan, Russia, and Latin America
- Heritage learners deepening their fluency and cultural pride through one of the country’s most innovative and leading bilingual programs
- Alumni speakers sharing how their SILC degree launched careers in diplomacy, localization, and international business
Beyond the classroom, SILC connects learning with the world. Our students intern with nonprofits, government agencies, and global companies. They collaborate on faculty-led research, participate in the Humanities Lab, and engage in hands-on experiences that help them refine their career goals while bringing their academic passions to life in professional contexts.
These opportunities give SILC students a competitive edge in the job market by
equipping them with the intercultural fluency, communication skills, and global perspective – qualities that are highly valued by today’s employees across all sectors.
Our faculty are scholars and educators who produce advanced interdisciplinary research in over 20 languages and cultures, from classical antiquity to digital media studies. Together, we are building a community that supports academic excellence, cross-cultural collaboration, and inclusive solutions to global challenges.
Whether you're here to learn a new language, follow your passion for global cultures, or chart a path toward a career of impact, you’ve found your academic home at SILC. I look forward to supporting your journey toward global citizenship and a deeper understanding of the world’s diverse cultures and languages. Let’s make this an inspiring and transformative year together!
Director