International Culture and Language on Tap at TAMIU this Summer

Although traveling to Europe this summer is out of reach for most children, Texas A&M International University's International Language Institute (ILI) can offer the next best thing: classes on the language and culture of France and Italy.

Beginning Monday, July 12 through Friday, August 6, area children ages nine through 12 will have four weeks to explore other parts of the world through "Connecting Children to Our World: French and Italian Language Program." Classes will meet from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., Monday through Friday.

Lola Orellano-Pérez, ILI director, explained the classes were an excellent opportunity for children interested in doing something out of the ordinary this summer.

"'Connecting Children to Our World' provides an opportunity for children to learn more about other languages and cultures. Participants will receive French and Italian language instruction combined with games, songs and cultural arts and crafts activities in a fun, summer camp-like environment," said Pérez.

The ILI will also offer eight-week courses for adults this summer, in either English as a second language (ESL), or foreign languages including Spanish, French, Italian and German.

Pérez said ESL classes are either intensive, focusing on language skills in the areas of listening, speaking, grammar, reading and writing, or conversational, focusing on pronunciation and oral skills. Both will be taught at intermediate or advanced levels. A placement test is required, and costs $20.

Foreign language classes, Pérez said, will be taught at the beginner level.

"The classes are very dynamic and emphasize an interactive methodology. Small class size and a learner-centered environment promote rapid language acquisition," said Pérez.

Both the ESL and foreign language classes will begin on Monday, June 14.

For more information or to register, please contact ILI at 326.2136, e-mail ili@tamiu.edu or visit offices in the Anthony J. and Georgia A. Pellegrino Hall, room 302. University office hours are Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The University will be closed Monday, May 31 for Memorial Day.