Modern Languages

Service Learning

Carthage offers modern language students the opportunity to utilize their language skills in a variety of settings by volunteering as language instructors, translators, tutors and support personnel in schools and other organizations. In the course Community-based Language Learning, students work in Kenosha area schools. Students have also volunteered in service learning situations in other countries.

Amber Callendar, 10

"Teach abroad? In Spanish? But I've never had an education course in my life, let alone do I feel prepared to lead a classroom on my own."

This past spring I accepted the reality of that apprehension. While living in a rural community, I taught English to fourth- and fifth-graders and high school students. I also taught physics and chemistry in Spanish to high school students.

I didn't feel prepared at all when I left my comfort zone of family, friends and English in the United States to the untrodden ground of tropics and Spanish in Guatemala. Sometimes the things we are least prepared for are the things that have the most opportunity to positively affect us and change us completely.

I was scared, and nervous, but I put one foot forward and struggled through the first few weeks. It wasn't easy, but I grew as I faced the challenges of learning to teach and adapt to the obstacles middle and high school students often construct for their innocent teachers.

The challenges never ceased, but I began to reap the benefits as the children produced fruit from the seeds I had sown. They were learning, and knowing that I had affected their lives in such a positive way was such an awesome feeling. Although they remained somewhat disconnected from English due to the lack of motivation to learn more than a few key phrases, teaching the sciences was extremely rewarding. The kids responded a lot better to their own language, and I was challenged with my courage to not only learn new vocabulary, but to be brave enough to use it. The bravery was especially important in front of high school students who find any opportune moment to laugh at the teacher amusing.

Overall, I am so thankful that I not only took classes, but also taught while abroad. My kids were such a blessing and a huge part of the happiness and joy of my experience. Teaching improved my language skills verbally and increased my reading efficiency, and I am now a lot more confident speaking in Spanish.

Read more about Carthaginians teaching in Guatemala.

Katie Larson, '10

"The time I have spent this semester doing service learning teaching has been a very beneficial and worthwhile volunteer opportunity. Because I am studying to be an elementary school teacher and will also be certified to teach Spanish, the service learning provided a perfect opportunity for me to gain experience in the classroom teaching the language.

I am currently teaching a class of 19 first graders at Dimensions of Learning in Kenosha. I team-teach with another student at Carthage and together, we come up with lessons each week including topics of colors, animals, greetings, etc.

One of the best parts of teaching every week is looking forward to an exciting welcome from the students. They absolutely LOVE having Carthage students come to their class, which also makes them very eager to learn. Volunteering has helped prepare me for instructing a class full of excited children and has also given me a chance to brush up on my Spanish language skills."

Academics at Carthage

Prospective Students

Study Abroad

Students who major in a modern language at Carthage must spend a full semester or year abroad. Read more ...

Target Language Experts

At Carthage, introductory language courses are taught by native speakers. Read more ...