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News Travels December 2015 newsletter home page

Introducing Our New Social Media Interns

IMG_0076This fall the DFLC welcomed two new social media interns. Tiffani Caralis (left) and Shayla Brown are both strategic communications students in the Edward R. Murrow College of Communication. These two women keep the DFLC students, faculty, staff, and the whole WSU community up to date on the happenings of the department.

The DFLC continues to use Tomás as the face of the department and manages the social media campaigns put in place by the previous social media interns, Anna Becker and Hayley Pearce. Tiffani and Shayla have added the “Wanderlust Wednesday” campaign and have created a department Pinterest account where you can find recipes from various cultures, tips on studying abroad, and the benefits of studying a second language.

Is there something you would like to see posted on our social media accounts? Contact Tiffani and Shayla at dflc.wsu@gmail.com

You can stay up to date with the department by personally liking/following our social media sites:

Facebook: WSU Department of Foreign Languages & Cultures

Twitter: WSU_DFLC

Instagram: WSU_DFLC

Pinterest: Tomás Gnome

New Languages

The DFLC is now actively teaching 9 different languages since proudly adding 3 languages, Italian, Arabic, and Korean, to the foreign language curriculum this semester. Although minors in the 3 new languages are not yet offered, the department is exploring options for the future.

#WanderlustWednesday

This semester the DFLC started a new tradition to encourage more DFLC students to travel abroad. Each Wednesday the department highlights students who have studied abroad and/or available DFLC study abroad programs. Called “Wanderlust Wednesday,” the addition has been a great success.

12063779_1176650779031339_3239364795892384223_nKenzie Webb
Year in School: Senior
Major: Zoology/Pre-Med (Honors)
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Richland, WA

What was your most embarrassing experience using a new language?
“I was trying to ask a merchant if she had silver rings with jade but said ‘plato’ instead of ‘plata,’ so she thought I was asking for rings made of plates and jade.”

What was your favorite memory abroad? 
“My favorite thing about the Hearts in Motion program was that I got to spend my Spring Break helping people in need in Guatemala. I was able to assist directly by assisting surgeons with translating during procedures and with the patients’ families. The fact I got to finally apply my Spanish that I’ve been learning in college was amazing.”

What would you tell someone who is thinking about studying abroad?
“I would tell the person to not worry so much about the money it takes. The thing to keep in mind is that this is the only time in your life that you are going to have time to leave for weeks at a time and not worry about huge obligations and responsibilities. You may have to take out loans in order to go abroad, but, in the end, the experience you gain by going abroad will be worth ten-fold of what you paid for the experience.”

What did you learn from your experience abroad?
“While in Guatemala, one of the biggest things I learned is how important it is to gain global perspectives. It is so easy to become comfortable in your life and forget about the world around you. By going abroad I was able to learn about the culture and way of life of the people there. I also was able to meet great medical professionals who inspire me to give back when I become established in my medical career.”

”Gnomie Homies”

Following the success of “Gnomie Homies” last year, the DFLC has continued with the campaign to highlight the best of our students.

10926173_1158649780831439_7830026033080568862_oGabriela Olivas
Year in School: Senior
Major: International Business, Asian Studies, Japanese
Minor: Spanish
Hometown: Seattle, WA

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why? 
“I would live in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. When I visited there for the World Cup I absolutely loved it and fell in love with the music, food and beaches.”

What was your most embarrassing experience using new language?
“When learning languages it is easy to know phrases but not know the customs that follow. When I went to Japan I realized this quickly because I kept getting denied hugs when first meeting my host schools classmates.”

If you could fly all over the world with a celebrity, who would it be and why?
“Zac Efron! He is photogenic and a fun, outgoing person. I feel like if we traveled together he would be willing to do crazy adventurous activities. It would be a blast.”

What is one of the things on your bucket list? 
“Hug a gorilla.”

 

IMG_1014compressedQuinlinn Whitman
Year in School: Junior
Major: Biology
Minor: German
Hometown: Maple Valley, WA

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would it be and why?
“Germany, I have always wanted to live there.”

What is the most eclectic food you have eaten or would like to try?
“I have eaten whale meat.”

In your opinion, what is the biggest benefit of learning another language?
“Being able to appreciate a new culture.”

What was your most embarrassing experience using a new language?
“Trying to order in French when I was in France and forgetting everything I’ve learned.”

What are your plans after WSU?
“Going to Med School and then joining the Navy.”

What is one of the things on your bucket list?
“I want to go to the Philippines one day and meet more of my family.”