Why go through the trouble of traveling the world via airplane when all you have to do is join the World Language Club? Recently, nine Harriton students traveled to Switzerland by attending the World Language Club meeting with Mme. Hernandez.  Even though their literal destination was a classroom, the students were fully immersed in Swiss culture through aspects like music, film, art, and cuisine.

Approximately once or twice a month, the World Language Club explores a new country by experiencing the country’s cultural elements.  A typical meeting usually includes watching a foreign movie, eating the selected country’s food, and listening to their music.  Sometimes the members participate in crafts related to the country or learn some basic words in the national language.

Student members and the teacher combine forces to run the club.  Mme. Hernandez sends out emails and helps run the meetings.  The students have a say in the chosen countries and the movie they will watch.  They also supply much of the food. If this already sounds interesting to you, unfortunately, you will have to wait until next year to get involved: the World Language Club asks that you sign up in the first few months of school, instead of mid-year.

The present members recalled some particularly memorable meetings in the past.  The country they had focused on before Switzerland was Japan, and during that meeting, they ate Japanese food and created beautiful tissue paper koi fish that are still hanging around the room.  Their favorite meeting was about Mexico.  They ate heaps of tacos, burritos, and tortillas, and even hit a piñata!

I had the opportunity to experience Switzerland with some of these students.  It provided me with a greater understanding of Switzerland and its culture in a relaxed, fun environment.  The meeting began when the students learned about how Switzerland combines French, Italian, and German cultures.  They continued by sampling various Swiss foods: cheeses, cookies, and crepes. In medieval times, adults would let their children suck on these stiff traditional cookies to help them calm down.  The Swiss crepes were small round wafers with assorted crème fillings, including coffee, hazelnut, vanilla, and chocolate.

In a typical meeting after eating international foods, the members will usually start a movie from that country.  Because Swiss movies were difficult to access online, they instead experienced Switzerland through other activities.  Students made stencils of tulips on construction paper to represent all of the beautiful tulips and stencil art found in Switzerland.  While some made crafts, others enjoyed listening to some Swiss music, including traditional folk music with yodeling! In addition to crafts and music, the students viewed some pictures of Switzerland to give them a better idea of its appearance.  The land consists of many lush mountains and valleys that are a beautiful backdrop to its rich culture.

The World Language Club is perfect for students who love several aspects of culture and language.  Because it meets about once or twice a month on different days of the week, it is compatible with a busy schedule. While thinking about clubs for next school year, consider the World Language Club as a great option.  As one member stated, “If you like food, crafts, and, of course, language, this is a good club.” It definitely offers a relaxed and festive way to explore the world and its cultures without leaving our neighborhood.