Language and Culture beyond the Classroom

At Carleton, language study doesn’t stop at the classroom door! With 1 in 5 Carleton students majoring or minoring in a foreign language, you never have to look far to find opportunities to practice your language skills or learn about other cultures. 

Among the things on offer:

  • Language conversation tables in the East Dining Hall, right downstairs from language classes.
  • 2-credit courses called “Coffee and the News,” in which students read and discuss the news in German, French or Spanish.
  • Weekly gatherings such as German Kaffeeklatsch, Japanese Tea and French Crêpe Night that combine chances to converse with culinary delights.
  • Language Associates, university students from abroad who come to Carleton for one year to assist the foreign language departments. The Associates live in Parish International House, organize extracurricular activities, and serve as teaching assistants and conversation partners.
  • Special events connected with language classes, such as Hebrew poster presentations, Russian “Bolshoi Theater,” a student-produced German soap opera, or the Classics department’s annual lamb roast.
  • Holiday celebrations from Day of the Dead to three different New Years! (Western, Russian Orthodox and Chinese).
  • Trips to theater, film, restaurants and museums in the Twin Cities.
  • Special lectures, film screenings, concerts and cultural events on campus, from classical Arab music to Malian rock stars to the annual Foro Latinoamericano.