World Languages

student cheers at peers playing Mahjong, map on wall in background

From Classroom Activities to World Experiences

The department of World Languages is committed to the teaching of modern and classical languages, literature, and cultures. Many students graduate with college credit already earned in Spanish, Chinese, and Latin, and we also offer regular rotating immersion and culture trips to Spain, France, Italy, and Taiwan.  Through contemporary teaching, food, games, and cultural activities taught by our passionate faculty, our students experience world languages well beyond a vocabulary list.

 

Because he took 4 years of Spanish at De Smet Jesuit...

Despite the pursuit of several programs, Drew graduated from Boston College with a degree in four years because he had flexibility in his schedule, an advantage that Drew credits back to the Spanish classes he took while at De Smet Jesuit. Although Boston College did not accept the SLU 1818 Spanish credits he earned here, he passed BC’s language requirements with his entrance exam scores, thus freeing up his schedule and enabling him to explore new paths as well as spend a semester studying in Scotland.

“De Smet Jesuit has given you the tools to thrive in many different environments." Drew Boland '15

Culture in the Classroom & Clubs

student holds small bronze colored 3D printed ox, friends stand on both sides
student looks at posters with Mythology on top and photos of Lego projects depicting mythology
students look at posters with Mythology on top and photos of Lego projects depicting mythology
students wearing masks work on folding red paper for Chinese lantern

Frequently Asked Questions

Do you offer college credit or Advanced Placement (AP) courses?
Sarah Schmidt, Latin teacher and Department Chair of World Languages

Yes!  Our Latin and Spanish courses offer college credit through SLU in the third and fourth year courses.  Our Chinese course offers college credit through UMSL for the second, third, and fourth year courses. 

looking up at ceiling with elaborate paintings and circular stained glass windows surrounding
  • Class of 2020
  • Italy 2019
Will Ryan

Looking over the city of Florence and seeing the Duomo from far away was such a beautiful sight to me. I just found the view breathtaking. All I could do was look up and I remember it was so tall that it felt like it never ended. 

six students with arms around each other in front of white church
  • Class of 2020
  • Italy 2019
Jacob Alu

The highlight of the Italy trip for me was visiting the different churches, seeing the amazing architecture, and going to the tombs of some of the great saints like Peter and Ignatius.  

Alex Bentele
  • Class of 2020
  • Spain & France 2018
Alex Bentele

Our group had effectively traced Ignatius’s steps back to the very beginning of the Jesuits. What’s even crazier than this is we really went to the place where De Smet began as well. The sword being laid down, the spiritual exercises, and the first Jesuits leaving for Rome are all the major events that led to the foundation of a school in Creve Coeur dedicated to helping young men get ready for the real world.

Oh, the places we've been.

I would most definitely recommend international travel to other students because Italy was just an amazing experience. It was so different than everyday life walking through a completely different part of the world. Will Ryan ’20, Italy

World Languages Faculty

Sarah Schmidt

Sarah Schmidt

Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
MA, Latin, University of Georgia
MEd, Latin Education, Creighton University
BA, Latin Classics, Creighton University
Carmen Bowman

Carmen Bowman

Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
BA, Spanish Literature, St. Louis University
BA, Education, St. Louis University
David Cabrera

David Cabrera

Teacher/Director of Global Education/Tennis Coach
MEd, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, Business Administration, Lindenwood University
Kelsey Grimm

Kelsey Grimm

Director of Campus Ministry
Graduate Certificate, Catholic School Leadership, Creighton University
MA, Teaching, Lindenwood University
BS, Linguistics, Truman State University
BA, Spanish, Truman State University
Christine Tseng

Christine Tseng

Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
MBA, Business Administration, St. Louis University
BS, Finance, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Susie Zahn

Susie Zahn

Teacher, Department Chair
MS, Spanish Language Education, NOVA Southwestern University
BS, Biology, St. Mary's University-San Antonio