Initial Findings

Initial findings: 30 students/8 non-students
1. What Spanish language/cultural activities (on campus and beyond) would you like to be involved and participate in your position as student/staff/faculty?
Creating communities and spaces for enjoyment and deeper communication

Estudiantes
a. I would desire that situations would allow one-on-one conversation. This would greatly help destroy communication barriers.
b. Maybe like a cultural fair, so we can learn more.
c. When you guys have a Mexican food, I would love to participate
Amigos de estudiantes
a. I think it would be fun to have a cooking event, making tamales is a fantastic group event.
b. Food and music…always bring cultures together, I think sharing these things makes you feel more like a family..most prejudice is formed from lack of knowledge.. a fear of the unknown.
c. Cinco de Mayo celebration-dancers, music.

2. What interests and needs do motivate you to learn more Spanish in your daily activities and beyond your regular activities at Brescia University?

Understanding language/emotions of many Spanish-speaking people coming to the US
Estudiantes

a. The need to understand the spirit of other individuals. Emotions have no boundaries, but languages do.
b. There are more Spanish speaking people coming to America.
c. In US Spanish is the second language which means learning this language is important for every student.
Amigos de estudiantes

Delivery of classes for staff/faculty based on subjective and practical experiences and objectives

a. I was motivated to learn motivated to learn Spanish after hearing poems by Pablo Neruda in English and Spanish.
b. Maybe have mini-conversational classes for staff/faculty.
c. Conduct conversational Spanish opportunities for staff/faculty wanting to learn the language.