"World Languages help students make global connections, better equips students to become part of a competitive, global workforce, and strengthens our diplomatic relations."

--"Lead with Languages" ACTFL

"Studies by the College Board show that SAT scores improved by more than 100 points on each section for students with four or more years of a world language. There are mental benefits of learning languages, including increased memory, multi-tasking abilities, aptitude, and problem solving skills."

- ACTFL

Why is this program important?

Learning a world language benefits students for E.O. Smith during their education and throughout their lives. It helps them connect and understand their own heritage and language through comparative study. It broadens their horizons. It develops and strengthens flexible and adaptive thinking. It helps people function well in unfamiliar situations. “Studies by the College Board show that SAT scores improved by more than 100 points on each section for students with four or more years of a world language. Mental benefits of learning languages include increased memory, multi-tasking abilities, aptitude and problem solving skills. Studying a language is a resume differentiator-- it gives our students the ability to communicate and collaborate globally, and provides access to so many varied professions.

The World Languages Program offers four language choices for our students: Spanish, Latin, French and German, in Year 1 through ECE Year 5. For students trying to accelerate and for students who need a little more help reaching proficiency, we offer a robust peer-tutoring option. Students can work with a World Language Honor Society student during an open period on a one-to-one basis or in a small group setting to gain solid foundational skills, work on projects, study for exams or practice their daily language skills of reading, writing, speaking and listening.

Program Goals:

• Communicate and interact effectively with peoples of different cultures and backgrounds
• Gain knowledge and understanding of other cultures, as well as their customs and histories
• Develop an awareness of cultural differences and, therefore, cultural sensitivity
• Make connections with and develop skills that can be used in other areas of study
• Engage appropriately in multilingual communities within a variety of contexts
• Understand the nature of language and culture though comparisons.
• Become global citizens.

Curriculum/Classes

• Levels 1-5 in Spanish, German, French and Latin
• A Spanish for Business and Spanish for Health course
• AP options in Level 4 of each language
• Early College Experience in Level 5 of each language. (equivalent to 6 credits at UCONN)

Co-Curricular and Extra-Curricular Activities

• Motivated students can accelerate through the summer, working independently.
• Motivated students can work on acceleration during an open period during the school year.
• 81 students have successfully accelerated in the last 4 years. Ninety percent of them maintain an A or B average in the advanced course.

• Biennial exchange programs to Costa Rica, Germany and France
• Educational trips to Italy and Quebec
• Intensive language course at Colegio Delibes in Salamanca, Spain

• A robust organization representing all four languages
• Students are active within the community, helping at graduation, for a potluck dinner and beyond.
• Students run a peer-to-peer tutoring service, which is currently helping more than 100 student tutees find success in the classroom

• During the past three years an average of 227 students have taken external exams, and an average of 78 students have earned a medal or certificate in the state or national testing for their language.

Careers

World Languages can help students prepare for a wide variety of jobs and careers in today’s global market. Careers in the following areas all benefit from knowledge of a second language:

• Business
• Communications
• Government Services
• Humanities and Arts
• Sciences and Engineering
• Technology
• Travel Services and Tourism
• Translator
• Teacher
• Diplomat
• Banking and Finance
• Web Developer
• Engineer

"Foreign language is crucial to our nation’s economic competitiveness and national security. Multilingualism enhances cognitive and social growth, competitiveness in the global marketplace (four out of five new jobs in the United States are created from foreign trade), national security, and understanding of diverse people and cultures…global communication will be essential for survival; we cannot afford the luxury of international ignorance."

United States Congress—Foreign Language Assistance Act

"I’m glad I took a language in high school because it was the beginning of a life full of languages and international experiences. Since high school I have studied 15 languages and I have lived in [four other countries]. All I've done since high school has been because of the love of languages that began at EO Smith."

Anna Marco-Cortiel, Class of 2004; took multiple languages at E.O. Smith

"Get all you can from your World Language classes. They can open doors you never thought possible, both professionally and personally. I am so grateful for the opportunity I had at EO Smith to study World Languages."

Michael Fusco, Class of 2012; studied French at UCONN

"I would never be here if it wasn’t for the German program at E.O. Smith. I’m forever thankful for the opportunities and the places it’s taken me."

William Trickett, Class of 2012; studied mechanical engineering at UCONN;
now works for a German engineering company

Contact:

Gustave Afantchao, Dept. Head
Monday-Friday, 7:00 am-2:30 pm
860.487.0877 ext.4540
[email protected]