The Foreign Language/ESOL department offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to help students develop the linguistic and cultural knowledge and skills necessary to contribute to a multilingual, international society. Riverside has students from more than 20 countries giving those studying another language the opportunity to practice what they've learned in class. Speaking another language gives students access to parts of the human experience closed off to those who are monolingual. The study of another tongue gives students the tools to communicate with people of other languages and backgrounds, thereby giving them a better understanding of their own; the study of culture allows them to understand and appreciate other ways of life; analysis of literary texts helps students develop critical thinking skills that will help them engage with issues that transcend national boundaries. As they challenge themselves with new structures and ideas, our hope is for students to develop an international perspective that will serve them and help them serve others at Riverside and around the world.