Language clubs give students out of the ordinary experiences

By Lindsay Westbrook, University Communications

Drury University’s liberal arts programming emphasizes the importance of being globally aware and student groups are further realizing Drury’s goal by participating in Spanish, German and French clubs.

While the Spanish and German clubs are in the process of being developed, the French club is active and seeking out cultural exposure around the Midwest. Club activities include foreign film nights, foreign food nights, induction ceremonies and trips. According to Sarah Land, language intern, the clubs do “basically anything that is fun, exciting and revolves around a culture of language.”

Last spring, the French club road-tripped to Chicago. During their stay, the members visited the French Consulate, the art museum and dined on French cuisine.

“It was a fabulous trip and a wonderful opportunity for students to see possible job opportunities,” says Land.

There are multiple beneficial aspects of participating in foreign language clubs. It provides travel possibilities as well as more job opportunities nationally and internationally.

Land says there are more advantages to being in a language club than just job opportunities.

“Studying a language other than one’s native language is very beneficial,” she says. “Not only is one engaging in another dialect, but also in aspects of other cultures. Thus, one becomes more globally and culturally aware of other societies.”

Students in the groups recognize the validity of club membership. “I'm really glad we have a French club; it's nice to be exposed to things that I wouldn't normally get to experience,” says French club member, Alicia Bergfeld.

In the future, Land and other members hope to expand and diversify all of Drury’s language clubs.

“Hopefully,” Land says, “all of the clubs will have the opportunity to take annual trips to cities that encompass activities relevant to their language and/or culture.”

There are currently no specific meeting times for clubs. They meet anywhere from once to three times a month. For those interested in joining French, German or Spanish club contact Sarah Land at sland@drury.edu.