Montclair World Language Programs Among Best in the Country

Montclair State University is committed to building students’ global readiness by helping students develop language skills, practice intercultural competence, and gather international experience. With New Jersey as one of the most diverse states and a hub of international trade, the state in 1996 committed itself to excellence in world language education, and NJ public schools continue to lead the nation in world language education.

The World Language and Culture programs at Montclair State build on this, standing out as some of the best in the country. A few examples:

• Montclair’s French Program was in 2025 the sole university to be named as an Exemplary Program with Honors by the American Association of Teachers of French (AATF).
• In 2025, German and French Professor Pascale LaFountain was awarded Montclair’s first Presidential Excellence in Teaching Award as well as the national AATG award for Outstanding Post-Secondary Educator.
• Italian faculty member Enza Antenos has been named national Educator of the Year by the Italian Language Foundation, and the American Association of Teachers of Italian (AATI) has recognized Dr. Antenos with its national Distinguished Service Award in 2023.
• Montclair’s German Program in 2020 became one of a very selective group of “Centers of Excellence” by the American Association of Teachers of German.
• Italian faculty members Marisa Trubiano and Teresa Fiore have both been named to the prestigious Cavalieri dell’Ordine della Stella Italiana.

With the faculty frequently publishing on their teaching and cultural scholarship, and being invited to share their expertise around the country and the world, each faculty member is also fully committed to teaching and advising at all levels.

Italian Professor Marisa Trubiano notes, “In my twenty-five years of teaching here at Montclair State University, every new semester has brought together an exciting, challenging, inquisitive new group of young people into a community of inquiry that it has been a privilege to teach. These students’ intellectual and professional development is always first and foremost on our minds as we all find innovative ways to facilitate and support their growth and readiness for our rapidly changing world.”

Many students choose to double major in Arabic, Asian Languages, French, German, or Italian alongside majors in business, sciences, humanities, education and the arts. While participating in World Language and Culture programs, students engage in collaborative and community-building projects such as the Haitian Poetry Project, Teaching German in the SPARK for German Teaching Lab, performing theater in Italy, and capstone courses in Language, Business & Culture featuring conversations with business leaders applying their language skills for career success.

After graduation, many students take on positions in international companies, win international Fulbright grants after graduation, or pursue advanced degrees.

With its standout programs in World Languages and Cultures, Montclair significantly contributes to preparing the next generation of globally ready diplomats, entrepreneurs, teachers, and innovators.