World Affairs Council of Houston

Foreign Language Symposia

The Council invites all Houston-area secondary schools and colleges with foreign language programs to participate in our annual foreign language symposia. The theme lunches are held in the specified language and include a speaker and student entertainment. The goal is to recognize students for learning a new language and to acknowledge the teachers who nurture them. The luncheons are sponsored by the Council without cost to students and teachers.

2011 Symposia Dates

Tuesday, April 5 German Up to 5 students per teacher

Thursday, April 7 French Up to 5 students per teacher

Monday, April 11 Japanese Up to 15 students per teacher

Thursday, April 14 Mandarin Chinese Up to 10 students per teacher

Tuesday, April 19 Italian Up to 15 students per teacher

Wednesday, April 20 Spanish Up to 5 students per teacher

Time:
10:00 - 1:00 p.m.*
*Times will vary according to language

Location:
The HESS Club
5430 Westheimer Road
Houston, TX 77056

Cost:
None

Registration:
Fax registration form to 713-522-7812
Or email edu@wachouston.org this information:
Language, teacher name, student names, school, telephone, and your group's performance(s)

Reason to attend

These events are fun and educational, motivating students to gain proficiency in a new language. Students will benefit by:

· Practicing public speaking

· Learning about a current topic

· Meeting peers from other schools

· Conversing with business leaders

· Gaining self-confidence in their language

Selecting students
We invite advanced non-native language students and teachers to represent their school. Students will be expected to speak in the specified language throughout the luncheon. The foreign language will be spoken through the duration of the event so we ask that teachers select students at level three or higher.

Student Performances
All participating students must perform at the symposium - this is what makes the event fun. Students may sing, act, recite, or perform in the selected language. Please contact the Council wtih questions about the student performances.

http://www.houstonlibrary.org/research/wlc.html
The Houston Public Library system serves the City's culturally diverse communities by offering a broad program of free educational, informational and recreational activities through a central complex and neighborhood branch libraries. The World Languages Center serves Houston’s diverse community by offering opportunities for learning, fun and access to technology in multiple languages.

The Texas Foreign Language Association honored the World Affairs Council with their
Friend of the Profession award in 2008.