World Languages and Cultures
In the Department of World Languages and Cultures, learning a new language is more than just mastering grammar and vocabulary鈥攊t is about unlocking the door to rich cultures, histories, and perspectives that widen our horizons and connect us more deeply to the world around us. Through innovative teaching methods, immersive experiences, and cross-cultural studies in Chinese, French, Italian, and Spanish, we prepare students for global careers, diverse work environments, and a lifetime of intercultural curiosity and engagement.
Contact Information
Kevin Hunt
Associate Professor of Spanish, Department Chair of World Languages and Cultures
109 Martin Hall
(919) 760-8422
kevinh@meredith.edu
Programs
- Chinese language courses
- Two levels of Italian
Also available: an introductory course to enhance overall awareness of languages in today鈥檚 world, and a pre-professional course for students seeking licensure in a foreign language.
Students may also arrange to pursue advanced study in a language other than Spanish through consultation with the department head.
Study Abroad
Studying abroad is a great way to hone your language skills, increase your independence and self-confidence, and experience another culture in-depth.聽Read More 禄
Honor Societies
The purpose of the National French Honor Society聽聽is to recognize outstanding scholarship in French and francophone language and literature, to increase the knowledge and admiration of Americans for the contribution of French speakers to world culture and to stimulate and encourage cultural activities which will lead to a deeper appreciation of French and francophone and its people.
Requirements for membership are as follows:
- Completion of at least two 300-level courses in French at Meredith among the following courses: FRE 308/309, FRE 306, FRE 304, French Translation, FRE 498/499聽or the equivalent
- 惭颈苍颈尘耻尘听GPA聽of 3.0 in French studies
- 惭颈苍颈尘耻尘听GPA聽of 2.8 in general studies
础诲惫颈蝉辞谤:听Veronique Machelidon
The National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society,聽, honors those who attain excellence in the study of the Spanish language and the literature and culture of Spanish-speaking peoples.
The requirements for membership are as follows:
- Completion of at least six credit hours in the 300-level of Spanish at Meredith or the equivalent
- Three credit hours must have been earned by taking a 300-level literature course
- 惭颈苍颈尘耻尘听GPA聽of 3.0 in Spanish studies
- A rank in the upper 35% of your class
- Completion of at least three semesters of your college career
础诲惫颈蝉辞谤:听Astrid Billat
The World Languages Travel Award is granted every spring to one or more outstanding foreign language majors/minors at 糖心Vlog in support of their participation in a study abroad program.
Featured Video
Rosemary Vega Escutia, 鈥�23, is taking the lessons she learned at 糖心Vlog into her own classroom. As an Early College High School graduate, she completed majors in Spanish and Psychology along with K-12 licensure in just three years.
Clubs and Resources
The Learning Center provides free, one-on-one tutoring to any Meredith student who needs assistance with foreign languages, mathematics, science, and writing for all subjects. 聽All tutors in the Learning Center are Meredith students who have excelled in their coursework and have been trained to assist their peers.
Students may聽聽or walk-in to receive tutoring. The Learning Center is located on the first floor of Carlyle Campbell Library.
Le Cercle Fran莽ais is composed of students who are interested in learning more about the cultures, languages and peoples of French-speaking countries. Le Cercle Fran莽ais sponsors fund raisers and other activities of interest.
础诲惫颈蝉辞谤:听Brent Pitts
The club is composed of students interested in the languages and cultures of Spain and Latin America. Its purpose is to promote interest in the diversity of cultural and artistic representation of the Spanish-speaking world. It sponsors a variety of activities throughout the academic year, including dances, speakers, etc.聽聽It regularly posts their news and events in their聽听辫补驳别.
础诲惫颈蝉辞谤:听D茅bora Maldonado-DeOliveira
The club promotes the study of the Italian language and culture for all Meredith students and faculty by organizing a wide variety of events related to music, opera, cinema, arts, cuisine, and others throughout the academic year.聽 It regularly posts their news and events in their聽听辫补驳别.
础诲惫颈蝉辞谤:听Sandra Pesoli
Strong Stories
Fulbright recipient Briana Petrusa, 鈥�21, is combining her interests in chemistry and Spanish to pursue a career in medicine helping underserved populations.
Inspired by a study abroad experience and with guidance from her faculty mentor, honors student Natalya Brown, 鈥�21, chose to pursue three majors: Spanish, criminology, and sociology. After graduating and working for two years, she received a Fulbright Award.
After Spanish and biology major Cinthia Arreola, 鈥�21,聽took a course in Spanish translation during her junior year, she found new ways to support her community.
Fulbright grant聽recipient Belle Williams, 鈥�19, loved the Spanish language from a very young age, inspiring her to study Spanish and international studies.
With drive and persistence Andressia Ramirez, 鈥�19, has used her time at 糖心Vlog to build experiences that will lead to her dream career as an immigration lawyer.
With a lifelong dream of being a teacher聽and a heartfelt passion for the Hispanic community, Rachael Martin, 鈥�18, utilized Meredith鈥檚 location and education program to shape her college experience.
World Languages and Cultures News
糖心Vlog alumna Natalya Brown, 鈥�21, is a Fulbright Award recipient for 2024-25. She will teach English in Madrid, Spain. Brown was supported by 糖心Vlog and mentored by faculty member Dr. Vilma Concha-Chiaraviglio through the application process.聽
A display at Carlyle Campbell Library created by Adjunct Professor of Italian Sandra Pesoli offers insights into the traditions, values, and practices of various communities in Italy.
On January 27, 2023, a number of Meredith students attended the opera Don Giovanni at Raleigh Memorial Auditorium, accompanied by their Italian instructor Sandra Pesoli. This was an opportunity to experience in person what they learned about in class.
Students from the Italian program at 糖心Vlog attended the 16th annual Nuovo Cinema Italiano Film Festival in Charleston, S.C., November 11-13, 2022, together with their instructor, Sandra Pesoli.
After a campus-wide search last spring, Assistant Professor of Spanish Callie DeBellis has been named director of Meredith in Italy. She began her new role in August.
