High school students get a taste of language and international studies

When more than 1,600 high school students from around Oregon came to campus for the 37th annual Foreign Language and International Studies Day on Friday, May 1, they were greeted in more than 15 languages.

UO graduate teaching fellows in each of the university’s 15 language and international studies departments made presentations and led group activities focused on the culture or language of the land in which their language is spoken. 

Events were held in the Erb Memorial Union ballroom and at the Global Scholars Hall, and included music and dancing styles of different countries, such as South Korea and Zimbabwe, as well as nations of the Andes Mountains in South America and countries in Africa. Students also heard a performance by rap/hip-hop artist Parfait Bassale, and got a chance to learn the art of Cuban salsa dancing.

High school students were able to utilize their language skills and learn more about the university’s study abroad and other opportunities during their visit. From demonstrations by UO groups like the Wushu Club and Dance Africa to social activities like “What’s for Dinner in Ancient Rome?” and “How the Germans Go Crazy: Carnivals,” students gained a better understanding of what studying language and foreign cultures at the UO is all about.

The event was supported by the UO Yamada Language Center, which provides resources for teachers and students. The university currently offers courses in a total of 27 languages.

—By Nathaniel Brown, Public Affairs Communications intern