CLIC Launches Language Ambassador Program

The Center for Languages and International Collaboration launched the Language Ambassador Program in September, 2014, to promote the values of global citizenship and prepare students for lives as culturally sensitive citizens.

Program Overview

The primary purpose of the CLIC Language Ambassador program is for students to develop, integrate, and promote the values of global citizenship and to prepare for lives as culturally sensitive citizens in their profession and community, whether in their home country or abroad. U.S. ambassadors represent the President of the United States in an official capacity in foreign nations and communities, and are charged with protecting and promoting national interests, maintaining diplomacy, organizing visits, welcoming visitors, and supporting resolutions. In a similar way, CLIC Language Ambassadors represent and promote the values of global citizenship. The ability to communicate with respect and cultural understanding in more than one language is an essential element of global citizenship. The need to communicate with someone of a different language or culture may arise at any time; knowing more than one language prepares one to know how, when, and why to say what to whom.

The Language Ambassador program creates an opportunity for students to develop and model the values of global citizenship:

• Second Language Proficiency
• International and Diverse Perspectives
• Intercultural Communication and Cross-Cultural Adjustment
• Social Justice and Sustainable Development

Through engagement in the community, work in the CLIC, dialogue in staff meetings, and expression of ideas through writing, participants learn what it means to be a global citizen in their work place and communities.

Students interested in becoming Language Ambassadors may contact Erica Andree.  The Language Ambassador program is currently full, but additional positions may be available during the Spring semester.