Canisius strongly promotes internships and the study abroad program to provide students with practical experience in the language and culture they are studying. Local internships can be arranged at schools, business and social services, depending on the particular interests of the student. Internships abroad have included summer jobs in German athletic facilities, French schools, Spanish summer camps and Mexican law offices.
Students majoring in a modern language are required to spend a minimum of four consecutive weeks studying abroad and are encouraged to spend at least one academic semester abroad in programs supported by Canisius. Professors work closely with students to set up individually tailored programs at:
- Lille, France -- The Catholic University of Lille
- Oviedo, Spain -- University of Oviedo
- London, England -- London Metropolitan University
- Galway, Ireland -- National University of Ireland at Galway
- Dortmund, Germany -- University of Dortmund
- Queensland, Australia -- University of the Sunshine Coast
- Antwerp, Belgium -- University of Antwerp
- Uppsala, Sweden -- Uppsala University
- Tokyo, Japan -- Sophia University
- San Juan, Puerto Rico -- Sacred Heart Univeristy
- Rome, Italy --John Cabot University
- Sicily, Italy -- Mediterranean Center for the Arts & Sciences
- Florence, Italy -- Lorenzo De'Medici
- The Hispanic Heritage Celebration
- Oktoberfest
- Carnevale
- French dinners
- Performances by professional theater groups
- Masses in French, German and Spanish
- Poetry readings
- Trips to Quebec
- Lectures by prominent scholars and experts from various fields.
The Modern Languages Department offers foreign film screenings through the Cine Club. The Intercultural Living Center (Campion Hall) is a residence hall designed to create an environment where American students and international students live together and enjoy special social and cultural activities such as film festivals, dinners, guest lectures and celebrations of international holidays.
Cultural Requirements
Over the course of the semester, each student in the Department of Modern Languages in courses 103 and up will participate in or attend two cultural events or activities outside of regular class time. One of them must be related to the culture of the language under study. The second should at least have a multicultural character. These events may include (but are not limited to) concerts, plays, lectures, college-sanctioned cultural trips, or films. At least one cultural event must be college-sponsored. In order to earn up to 5 percent of the final grade, the student will write two essays (in English for the 103/104/115/116 level and in the target language for higher level courses, maximum one-page each, 12-point font, double spaced). Each essay must be turned in within ONE week of the event/activity’s occurrence. The assignment is to include a brief summary of the event and most importantly, must reflect the student's impression/opinion/analysis of the event. In order to avoid misunderstandings, the student MUST consult with the instructor whether or not the event he/she plans to attend meets the above criteria. For students taking more than one Modem Language class, the number of cultural events required is four.
A current list of events acceptable in fulfillment of the cultural requirement will be posted electronically and updated by the Modern Languages Department. Any suggestions by students are welcome.
Cultural Events:
Monday, December 1, 8:00 p.m. Undercroft - Christ the King Chapel - Social Justice Movie Night featuring Posada. Free. A story about 3 teenage boys who traveled to the U.S. from their native Central America and were detained by immigration officals for several months. Their struggles helped others receive assistance. The boys relate their personal story to Las Posadas, a Mexican tradition that retells the Christmas story of Joseph and Mary looking for shelter.
Saturday, December 6, 2:00 p.m. Palisano Palvilion - Gouter de Noel Celebration - This includes a visit from Pere Noel for young children, and a Buche de Noel competition. Make your Buche de Noel and bring it to the event. Three prizes will be awarded on originality, looks and taste. Afterward all will enjoytasting them. Sponsored by Alliance de Francaise de Buffalo in cooperation with the Modern Languages Department of Canisius College. For information, contact Celine Nganga, 884-4354.
Tournees French Film Festival
Tuesday, February 17; Thursday, February 19; Friday, February 20; Saturday, February 21 & Sunday, February 22, 2009. Montante Cultural Center. This festival consists of 5 different recently released Francophone films. This will be free and open to the public. More information to follow.
Ongoing - Museum of European Art - M-F 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 10545 Main St., Clarence, NY. (759-6078).