Enrollment trends and factors that influence foreign language study in colleges and universities are discussed. Most college foreign language programs have emphasized the study of literature and have not been committed to the training of teachers or the teaching of civilization or culture. It appears that students' concern about the job market and their future economic security affect their choice of courses. Foreign language teachers and their organizations need to reach out to the community in order to make the public aware of the values of studying languages. Traditional reasons for studying a foreign language are cited which are insufficient for choosing foreign language study instead of another subject. The ability to use a foreign language increases a person's capacity to communicate and should be justified on that basis. Language study helps the student appreciate culture, read literature without translation, and communicate with people in their language. Foreign language majors need to develop other skills in addition to linguistic talents for career purposes. Foreign languages in science, translating positions, and linguistic and conversational skills in business, diplomacy, and other occupations are discussed. (SW)