RELEASED: Oct. 27, 2005

DANVILLE, KY—With three out of four students studying abroad, Centre College offers an international perspective to all who are interested in expanding their horizons. But what can students do to polish their language abilities while on campus? What happens to the language skills of students returning from France, Mexico or Japan? How will prospective foreign students get up to speed in their quest to become fluent in nonnative languages? And where can one go with a hankering for tamales, bratwurst, or a game of boules?

The answers to all these questions, thanks to the new language lounge, are pas de problème. All are invited to celebrate the grand opening of the Oasis this weekend, Thursday through Sunday, Oct. 27-30.

"We hope that the Oasis will provide students with an anxiety-free location where they may come together informally to develop and practice their foreign language skills, says Julie James, a visiting assistant professor who was instrumental in bringing about the Oasis. "At the same time, we also hope that the room's collection of books, periodicals, games, videos, and the 50-plus foreign language television channels will help to foster within each individual a personal interest in exploring and understanding the world that exists beyond our national borders. This weekend's events are just a way for us to let everyone know that the room is now in operation and that all are welcome to use it."

Located in the building that once housed Centre Shoppes, the "language lounge" will be a place where students who speak various languages can meet outside the classroom to study, play games, listen to foreign music and watch foreign television. Each day of the week will be language specific, allowing students studying a particular language to be immersed in that culture.

The open house will feature a variety of cultural activities.

Thursday, October 27, 2005
4:00-4:30 p.m. Vessela Warner Present Your Nation, Bulgaria
4:30-5:00 p.m. Jing Zhang Present Your Nation, China
7:00-9:00 p.m. Multi-lingual Game Night (cards, dice and board games from around the world)

Friday, October 28, 2005
4:00-4:30 p.m. Murtaza Nisar Present Your Nation, Pakistan/Saudi Arabia
4:30-5:00 p.m. Mohua Das Present Your Nation, India
7:00-10:00 p.m. Hispanic Society Tamales & Atole Sale/Fundraiser
7:00-10:00 p.m. Salsa Band and Salsa Dance Workshop (in parking lot)

Saturday, October 29, 2005
11:30-1:30 p.m. German Club Grilled Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Sale/Fundraiser
1:00-1:30 p.m. Patrice Mothion Present Your Nation, France
1:30-2:00 p.m. Joelle Black Present Your Nation, Ireland
2:00-4:00 p.m. Craft Activity Papel Picado with local Latino children
3:00-5:00 p.m. French Society Crêpes Sale/Fundraiser
3:00-5:00 p.m. Pétanque/Boules Tournament (outside)
10:00-midnight International Dance (location TBA)

Sunday, October 30, 2005
10:00-2:00 p.m. Sidewalk Chalk Murals (ongoing)
2:30-3:30 p.m. International Students Association Intercultural Tea & Snacks Meet 'n' Greet

The Oasis open house is sponsored by the French Society, Deutschklub, the Hispanic Society, the International Students Association and Sigma Delta Pi (Spanish honor society).

- end -

Founded in 1819, Centre College is ranked among the U.S. News top 50 national liberal arts colleges. Centre alumni, known for their nation-leading loyalty in annual financial support, include two U.S. vice presidents and two Supreme Court justices. For more, visit http://www.centre.edu/web/elevatorspeech/

For news archives go to http://www.centre.edu/web/news/newsarchive.html.

Back to News and Events Home Page