World Languages
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.
| Quick Links to Departments | |
|---|---|
| English | Social Studies |
| Mathematics | Theology |
| Physical Education | World Languages |
| Science | Band/Choir/Studio Arts/Theatre |
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Culture in the Classroom & Clubs
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
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Frequently Asked Questions
Sarah Schmidt, Latin teacher and Department Chair of World Languages
Yes! We offer yearly immersion trips to Spain, Taiwan, and Italy. Our immersion trips are an incredible opportunity for students to experience the language and culture in a natural setting. Our immersion trips are open to all students. Click this link to see all our Global Education opportunities.
Sarah Schmidt, Latin teacher and Department Chair of World Languages
Colleges require two years of world language study but give preference to those who have studied beyond the requirement.
Carmen Bowman, Spanish teacher
Yes! We offer placement tests for all of our languages – every year we have freshmen who enter into the second year of a language.
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.
Sarah Schmidt, Latin teacher and Department Chair of World Languages
We require two years of world language study, but we encourage all our students to continue their language study for their full four years.
Sarah Schmidt, Latin teacher and Department Chair of World Languages
Latin, Chinese, and Spanish
Oh, the places we've been.
World Languages Faculty
Sarah Schmidt
Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
MA, Latin, University of Georgia
MEd, Latin Education, Creighton University
BA, Latin Classics, Creighton University
MEd, Latin Education, Creighton University
BA, Latin Classics, Creighton University
Carmen Bowman
Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
BA, Spanish Literature, St. Louis University
BA, Education, St. Louis University
BA, Education, St. Louis University
David Cabrera
Teacher/Director of Global Education/Tennis Coach
MEd, Secondary Education, University of Missouri-St. Louis
BA, Business Administration, Lindenwood University
BA, Business Administration, Lindenwood University
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
MA, Teaching, Lindenwood University
BS, Linguistics, Truman State University
BA, Spanish, Truman State University
Christine Tseng
Teacher, International Tour Coordinator
MBA, Business Administration, St. Louis University
BS, Finance, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
BS, Finance, Southern Illinois University-Carbondale
Susie Zahn
Teacher, Department Chair
MS, Spanish Language Education, NOVA Southwestern University
BS, Biology, St. Mary's University-San Antonio
BS, Biology, St. Mary's University-San Antonio