Opportunities are available this summer for students who aspire to dive deeper into foreign languages.
From June 21, 2024, to July 12, 2025, rising 11th and 12th-grade Virginia students who have taken at least four years of Spanish, German or French can participate in the Virginia Governor’s French, German and Spanish Academies at Washington and Lee University.
Additionally, from June 22, 2024, to July 13, 2025, the Japanese and Latin Academies will take place at Randolph Mason College with the same rules applying.
“I think it [Virginia Governor’s World Language Academies] is important because having an immersion experience 24 hours a day for those three weeks that the academy meets [helps] develop their interpersonal communicative skills and become more proficient in their language,” Spanish teacher Eric Jaworski said.
Exceptions for rising 10th-grade students are possible if permitted by a world language teacher and the selection committee.
The most talented and motivated language learners from across the state participate in intensive language and culture studies, with the requirement of only speaking, reading, writing and listening to their language, according to the Virginia Governor’s World Language Academies’ website.
The three-week program allows world language teachers to nominate two students throughout their school to be considered applicants.
The Intent to Apply form is due on Dec. 2, 2024, with the application required by January 17, 2025.
“Showing you can live away from home would be one of the factors,” Jaworski said. “Maturity level is another one because you live away from home. Finally, [you need] an interest in the language.”
Past participants in the program had a great experience with the variety of engaging activities presented, one of whom is Ocean Lakes alumnus Nimish Nookala.
“It’s an absolutely wonderful experience [and] one of my highlights from high school. Not only is it a learning experience, but it was extremely fun,” said Nookola. “There wasn’t a single day that went by while I was at the Academy where I wasn’t enjoying. My favorite part was the ‘World Cup’ where the three academies (Spanish, French and German) would compete in a round-robin soccer tournament.”
Many wishful applicants eagerly await to further their bilingual education through participating in the program.
“This program is wonderful for helping students conquer any remaining doubts and become comfortable with the language. Without being able to speak English on campus, we would be driven to find new and better ways to communicate – a goal of every aspiring student,” freshman Nathan Crickard said.
