That is a change from a couple of years ago, when computer engineers were in large demand and received signing bonuses. The CIA, which was also recruiting at BYU on Tuesday night, offers a $25,000 signing bonus to experts in Arabic.

Ray Clifford, director of the Center for Language Studies at BYU, said the school's language program attracts government organizations. BYU is home to the National Flagship Language Initiative for Chinese sponsored by the National Security Education Program. The program is designed to be a union of the federal sector and higher-education institutions and is directed by a board of representatives from a range of government agencies, including the CIA and Department of Defense.

"We're confident that BYU teaches more advanced language classes to more advanced students than any other university in the U.S.," Clifford said. "That doesn't mean we teach more languages, or we teach more students, but if you restrict it to advanced classes, I think we're number one."

Students from many backgrounds were attracted to Tuesday's information meeting — some because they have a passion for language, and others because they have political aspirations.

"I always wanted to work for the government," said Cory Cozzens, a senior majoring in economics. "I think it's interesting how the government works, and I think that working with the CIA would be a good step onto something bigger."

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