New Languages for a New Year at TAMIU's Language Institute

If your new year's resolution involves world travel, trying something new, or expanding your mind, new language courses offered by Texas A&M International University's International Language Institute (ILI) may be just the thing.

For the first time, ILI will offer Mandarin Chinese and Arabic, in addition to Japanese and Spanish, as well as English as a second language.

Lola Orellano-Perez, ILI director, said she hoped area residents would take advantage of the unique offerings, which are offered in the evenings to allow for community member participation.

"We are excited to have such wonderful courses to present to the community. Learning another language is one window into a different culture, and it even provides insights into your own world," said Orellano-Perez.

She explained courses start Tuesday, January 18 and end Friday, May 20. Each class meets twice a week for an hour and 15 minutes and all are non-credit courses.

"Since there's no pressure of a grade, this is a great course for self-enrichment or professional purposes," explained Orellano-Perez.

For more information, please contact the International Language Institute at 326.2136, visit offices in the Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall, room 302 or e-mail mdperez@tamiu.edu. University office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.