Languages

Fluency in another language is a integral skill for careers in international business. In addition to studying business fundamentals, you will spend up to 40 per cent of your first two years in the BIB program in intensive language classes.  You’ll choose your language of study from among: French, German, Japanese, Mandarin (Chinese), Portuguese and Spanish. 

In your third year, you’ll be immersed in your chosen language when you spend a full academic year studying abroad at one of Sprott’s 30-plus partner institutions in 13 countries. This year abroad allows you to improve language fluency and increase cultural awareness – giving you a truly international perspective.

Which language should I choose?

Chinese (Mandarin)

Over the last ten years China has been the fastest growing economy in the world.  With its large population and expanding industrial base, China has become an export giant and is now launching its own overseas investments.  Mandarin is the official language of China and is spoken by many Chinese populations in other countries.  Doing business in China or with Chinese firms involves dealing with important cultural differences.  Knowledge of the language is an important asset.

French

Besides its role as one of Canada’s two official languages and its use in France, French is also spoken in regions of Belgium and Switzerland, a number of African countries, and some island nations in both the Pacific and Caribbean.  France is among the most important countries in Europe with a strong economic and political position within the European Union.  France also plays an important cultural role both through maintaining its own illustrious heritage and through its leadership among Francophone nations around the world.

German

Germany serves as the industrial and economic engine of the European Union.  Since the demise of the Soviet Union and reunification with East Germany, German investors have been very active in Central and Eastern Europe forming many important joint ventures with local entrepreneurs.  German firms continue to have a strong worldwide profile in industries such as machine tools, automobiles, and industrial chemicals.

Japanese

Japan is the third largest economy in the world and an important trading partner for Canada.  Japanese firms have large investments around the world with considerable influence in Asia.  Given its geographic position and technological sophistication, Japan is well placed to profit from the growing economic importance of China.  Acquiring facility in the language helps understand the subtle nuances of Japanese culture and its influence on Japanese business practice.

Spanish

Spanish is the dominant language in a number of countries including Spain, Mexico, and most Latin American countries.  A growing number of Canadian companies, especially in the financial sector, have major investments in Latin America.  As Canada’s integration into NAFTA and other forms of regional trade increases, Spanish has become an important asset for managers in international business.