Kimberly Harris '07

My experience with Spanish at Clark has been nothing short of fantastic.  I have loved all my teachers as well as their enthusiasm for the language.  By having fun in class I sometimes forget that we are reviewing grammar, tenses, forms etc.  My understanding of the language has improved as well as my desire to perfect it.  We talk in class about our weekend, upcoming plans, and other gossip, yet it's all in Spanish and a great time.  I have really enjoyed my time spent in the Spanish classroom, and look forward to more of it in the future!   

From Students of Hebrew, Fall 2005

One of the common reasons students give for taking a foreign language is that it “opens doors” for them in the future.

Now after three semesters of Hebrew, I have discovered the unique beauty of the simple constructions of the language that still create great poetry, even in ordinary conversation.

From what I have learned in my Hebrew class, it seems to me that the language department at Clark is very strong. The teachers are always well prepared and are excited about teaching.

Charlotte Brookover '08

I did not really know what I was getting into in the beginning of the semester, but now I am so glad I took this class, I have learned so much about what national imagination means and what it is in countries I rarely think of and how apparent it is in our own American society.

Joanna Lubkin '07

Hebrew is a language like no other—through it, I maintain a connection to my ancestors, making myself a link in a 3,000 year-old chain. And yet, it is a vibrant living thing; I can converse with a teenager in an ice cream shop in Tel-Aviv. I’ve taken 3 semesters of Hebrew at Clark and I am tremendously grateful for the opportunity.

Alessandra Zimmerman '07

The ability to major in a field like Psychology as well as minor in my passion - Spanish - is very meaningful for me. I feel that I am very supported in any path I choose to pursue academically. There are also many professors willing to give their time to assist me.

Rebecca Michaels '06

C'est incroyable qu'il ne reste que trois mois pour moi ici. Tu as eu raison, une année est presque nécessaire pour vraiment améliorer la langue et pour aussi commencer a connaître la culture. C'est clair que cette année sera un expérience que je n'oublierai jamais.

Fauna Shaw '06

France has been excellent! ... Again, thanks for all you've done for us. I really love this program and after visiting the other students in London, I now realize how lucky we are to have such an organized program that takes us on trips and really encourages our French. I don't want to leave ever!!

Barbara Zerillo '06

Choosing Clark was the best decision that I ever made. The diverse student body and faculty fueled my desire to learn about other cultures and experience them first hand. I traveled with a group of Clarkies to Nicaragua during spring break of my freshman year and decided that I wanted to learn Spanish. My junior year I was able to focus on my new passion by spending a semester abroad in Spain living with a family and studying. The following semester I studied Psychology, French & Spanish at the University of Stirling, Scotland and was able to immerse myself in another foreign culture. Living and traveling in Europe for a year has taught me more about the world then any class ever could. It is impossible to learn a foreign language and culture without actually living and immersing yourself in that world.

Márcia Posada Elyseu '03

"I live in Germany at the moment and I wanted to keep the German language "fresh" in my mind. I was really pleased when I found out that that was possible to do here at Clark, in the Foreign Languages Department. My professor is a native speaker, which enables me to improve both my grammatical and pronunciation skills."

Anelia Vencova Delcheva '02

"I am from Bulgaria and this is my second year at Clark University. I minor in German language and major in physics and mathematics. I am also doing a concentration in law, since I am planning to continue my education in a law school and becoming a patent lawyer. I strongly believe that Clark can give you anything you want and desire in the realm of your personal enrichment, as long as you set clear goals and pursue their realization. I would like to sincerely thank my professors, family and friends who have helped me in becoming part of Clark's community."

Julie Feeney '00

"Until my junior year I was an English major, with a great fear of planes. I am graduating as a Spanish major (still with an unfortunate fear of planes) with a love of learning about other cultures. Spanish at Clark is more than just a major; it is a life-shaping experience. After majoring in Spanish you are prepared to think of yourself as a member of a global community that actively contributes to society and learns from it as well. After studying abroad you cannot help to re-evaluate who you thought you were, who you are now, and who you would like to be. I feel that I am very lucky to be graduating from a challenging department whose faculty and staff care so much about their students that they create the feeling of family this department is known for. One further example of how impressive a Spanish major is, is that it can be applied to any field. After majoring in Spanish, I am considering a career in journalism, teaching Spanish, or teaching English as a Second Language. My idea of what I would like to do is much more versatile now and I also feel that I am more than prepared for anything I might wish to do. Thanks to Spanish language and literature, I can write well, think critically and listen carefully.

Rebecca Melnick '00

"I have wanted to take on the Spanish language for a long time. It was not until coming to Clark that I knew I could do it. With support from the dedicated and enthusiastic professors in the Foreign Languages Department, I have worked hard to develop my skills and proficiency. Early on, my major advisor also encouraged me greatly, understanding my desire to learn Spanish. She told me to decide that I would tackle the language, concentrate on it… and do it! She also recommended that I go to Madrid to study, which until that point I hadn't thought of doing. I've gone to study in Spain, taken advantage of Clark's small classes and excellent professors in the Spanish Department, and I will graduate with a degree in Spanish and great confidence in my bilingual capabilities."

Almaisa Yanoff '00

"Going to France and attending the International Center of French Studies has been an unforgettable experience. It has helped me grow not only as a student, but as an individual as well. From complex French grammar to wine tasting in the vineyards, I brought all this new cultural insight right back here to the University where I have integrated it into the Clark community."