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LAS
International On-line
Vol. 4, No. 14
April 17, 2006
Affirming a Commitment to Global Learning
www.las.iastate.edu/students/international/
LAS International On-Line is the bi-monthly on-line publication
of the International Programs of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. LAS
International is part of LAS' on-going efforts to coordinate all aspects of
international activities within the College including international studies,
study abroad, exchange agreements, research and outreach.
From the Director
GET INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AND A SECOND LANGUAGE - "Being able
to speak more than one language is critical in today's global business world.
In fact, 30 percent of hiring managers told CareerBuilder.com they will be placing
a greater emphasis on recruiting bilingual candidates in 2006."
This is important news as we expand and strengthen the international education
of our students. It is especially important because one of the most frequently
asked questions students have is "How does a second language or international
experience or education help my job prospects?" Now we have some specific
career related answers.
According to Ghislain Savoie, the Social Research and Analysis Director at the
Department of Canadian Heritage, "…most employers perceive bilingual
and multilingual candidates as being more flexible, intelligent and adaptable
to change." Savoie also reported that people who speak two or more
languages have access to more jobs and are more likely to be employed.
Are college students too old to learn a new language? Should you study languages
as a kid?
Linguist Robert M. DeKeyser says that when it comes to syntax and grammar, adults
actually have an advantage over children. "DeKeyser says that some
adults who take up a new language, even a language considered extremely difficult
such as Arabic, become proficient enough to become FBI translators."
There is also some important information about actual experience studying or
living outside the United States. According to a 2002 American Council on Education
poll, 79 percent of Americans feel that students should have a study abroad
experience sometime during college. Currently, only 1 percent of students from
the United States study abroad each year.
According to a Congressional resolution, "a National Geographic global
literacy survey found that 87 percent of students in the United States between
the ages of 18 and 24 cannot locate Iraq on a world map, 83 percent cannot find
Afghanistan, 58 percent cannot find Japan, and 11 percent cannot even find the
United States." Taking International Studies/LAS 235, "Introduction
to International Studies" will give ISU students some basic regional geographic
and geo-political background.
Finally, Senate Resolution 308, Designating 2006 as the 'Year of Study Abroad'
says "… the security, stability, and economic vitality of the United
States in an increasingly complex global age depend largely upon having a globally
competent citizenry and the availability of experts specializing in world regions,
foreign languages, and international affairs."
That should get your student’s interest!
Steffen Schmidt
Director
News
STUDY ABROAD - The LAS Study Abroad Committee recently reviewed applications
for the LAS Study Abroad Scholarships and has recommended that the study efforts
of 31 students be supported. As a result the college will have students in nine
countries on four continents including Australia, Brazil, China, Greece, Italy,
Mexico, Peru, Russia and Spain.
Several of the programs are courses offered by LAS faculty for the summer session.
These faculty have found a way to combine their teaching and research interests
with programs that are incredibly beneficial to students.
Area Program Studies Events
ROOTS OF SOVIET SPACE PROGRAM - James Andrews, associate professor
of modern Russian and comparative European history, will speak on "Envisioning
and Mythologizing the Cosmos: K.E. Tsiolkovskii, Russian Public Culture, and
the Roots of Soviet Cosmonautics, 1857-1935."
The lecture will take place Thursday, April 20, at 4:10 p.m. in 606 Ross Hall.
Learn more about Andrews’ lecture at www.las.iastate.edu/newnews/andrews0110.shtml.
WHOSE MELANCHOLY? - Alice Kuzniar, professor of German and comparative
literature at the University of North Carolina, will speak on "Whose Melancholy?
On the Muteness of Humans and Animals."
The Western European Studies Program event will be held Friday, April 21, at
3 p.m. in 1106 Pearson Hall.
For more information go on-line to www.las.iastate.edu/West_Euro/events.shtml.
Fall Courses
RUSSIAN COURSES - The Department of World Languages and Cultures is
offering two special courses for the fall semester. "Elementary Russian"
(RUS 101) will be held every day beginning at 10 a.m. "Masterpieces of
Russian Cinema" (RUS 370) is at 2:10-3:30 p.m. Tuesdays and Thursdays.
Word documents describing the courses are available at www.las.iastate.edu/REEEAS.
LAS International On-line
Michael Whiteford, LAS dean
Steffen Schmidt, LAS director of international programs
Dave Gieseke, LAS public relations manager
Send submissions to dgieseke@iastate.edu
