The World Languages department will host the 5th Annual Language Forum which was created to remind students about the importance and long-term benefits of learning foreign languages as well as to encourage students to continue language study past the two-year requirement.

About 20 faculty, staff and alumnae will share personal language journeys and experiences of studying languages and studying abroad with students.  Students will be able to ask panelists questions about specific languages or language experiences.

World Languages Chair Yoko Harada hopes the forum will inspire students to continue in their studies and learn to appreciate languages and cultures.

Entering college with four or five years of foreign language study under their belts proves to be advantageous for students.

“When our students have studied languages for many years, colleges will see a particular thing about them,” said Harada. “Sticking with a foreign language not only shows a student’s patience – it also shows her willingness to work hard to learn. Students can also place out of language requirements at several universities, giving them credits without actually taking classes.”

The forum will be held on Jan. 12 and 13 in the Conference Room. Parents are welcome to attend the forum with their daughter’s language class. Questions about the forum can be sent to Harada at yharada@sacredhearts.org.