outreach classes

Benefits of the earlier foreign language study include better pronunciation, greater cognitive development, and appreciation of other cultures. The College Entrance Examination Board reported that students who averaged 4 or more years of foreign language study scored higher on the verbal section of the SAT than those who had studied 4 or more years in any other subject area.

To promote earlier foreign language instruction, the Center has sponsored and organized classes at local schools, the Joplin Public Library and on the MSSU campus. Since its inception in 1996, the Center has served more than 2,000 students, who have taken classes in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, Russian, or Spanish.

Learn a foreign language with your child!

The International Language Resource Center at Missouri Southern State University announces FREE Foreign Language Classes for children and adults.

No previous foreign language experience is necessary.

Classes to be offered include:

Ages 8-11 - French or Spanish

Ages 12-15 - German or Spanish

Age 16 or older - Russian or Spanish

Classes will be held on MSSU's campus in Webster Hall from 5:30p.m.-6:30p.m. on Tuesdays from October 6-December 8, 2009. No classes will be held on October 20, 2009.

Foreign language teachers are native speakers and/or advanced foreign language students at MSSU.

The curriculum includes basic vocabulary including introductions, family, clothing, colors, food, animals, places, days of the week, months of the year, telling time, geography, basic phrases, simple verbs and cultural information such as songs, games, holidays, traditions and more!

Call 417-625-3140 to reserve a spot for you and/or your children.

*There must be a minimum of 10 students enrolled per class.  

*If you are interested in organizing foreign language classes in your school or community, contact the Center’s director, Leslie Parker.