Middlebury hosts Language Schools Symposium July 10-11

The Middlebury College Language Schools will host the 2009 Language Schools Symposium this weekend, July 10-11. The symposium, in English, will include a panel discussion with Language Schools alumni, a keynote speech on language learning, and presentations of graduate student research.

On Friday, July 10, at 3 p.m., a career panel of Language Schools alumni will offer insights into the role of language in their professional careers with suggestions for students and others interested in language-related opportunities. Members of the panel are Lisa Cheng, assistant editor at Travel and Leisure Magazine; Terence B. Crouch, university relations coordinator at Middlebury’s Office of International Programs and Off-Campus Study; Peggy Keteltas, senior director of sales strategy and operations at Starwood Hotels and Resorts; and Jason Kopp, translator for the U.S. Department of State. The discussion will take place in Dana Auditorium.

Following the panel discussion, John De Mado, a 1973 graduate of the French school, will give the keynote speech, “In Search of Language.” De Mado, a former language teacher, is a nationally-recognized speaker on language and language acquisition. He has served as a consultant with the U.S. government and national professional associations, and conducted workshops throughout the country.

On Saturday, July 11, at 9 a.m., for the first time, the Language Schools’ graduate students will co-present their research with colleagues from the other Language Schools. The focus of this event is language acquisition through teaching. The graduate research explores topics such as film, literature and teaching methodologies. The presentations will take place in McCardell Bicentennial Hall Rooms 216 and 220.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kevin Hurley at 802-443-5115 or khurley@middlebury.edu .