Spring 2008

Living the Language
Rosemary Sands, Director of Study Abroad Office

One of the greatest opportunities for students majoring in languages here at St. Norbert College is the opportunity to take part in an exchange program. These exchange programs allow for students to become immersed in their chosen language and culture. This once-in-a-lifetime opportunity leaves an indelible mark on students who truly begin to appreciate the benefits of knowing a foreign language. St. Norbert College strives to make this transition as smooth as possible in a variety of ways.

St. Norbert has 13 bilateral exchange programs in eight countries: Australia, France, Germany, Japan, Mexico, Netherlands, Philippines and Spain. A unique feature of the French, German and Spanish exchange programs is the Foreign Language Teaching Assistantship. Every year a student is chosen as the foreign language teaching assistant (FLTA) from each of the following universities: 

•    Université Catholique de Lille; Lille, France
•    Westfalische Wilhelms University; Münster, Germany
•    Universidad Antonio de Nebrija; Madrid, Spain

Your son or daughter not only takes three or four St. Norbert classes, but s/he also works closely with the foreign language faculty, assisting in beginning and intermediate language classes, and offering evening office hours for tutoring or conversation. The FLTA is also involved in language club activities, Beyond Borders, and in language houses when available. 

The FLTA and other exchange students from his/her university forge strong bonds with St. Norbert students, which makes for a warm and supportive environment when St. Norbert students later study abroad at those universities. Three former FLTAs now act as our site coordinators in Lille, Münster and Madrid, where their duties include meeting the students upon arrival, helping them get settled into their dormitory or with their host family, assisting them with opening a bank account, purchasing a cell phone, and registering for class. The support of a native speaking peer and friend in a foreign environment is invaluable.

Find out more about Study Abroad.