World Languages Day
Videos for the 9th Annual World Languages Day are now available! Please view the videos in the Recap section!
Connecting Students to Global Career Pathways
World Languages Day is a global career expo that brings together organization representatives from businesses, non-profits, government, and education to connect with over 1,000 high school and college students about the global skills essential to their industries. This event showcases diverse speaker panels and topics to highlight the value of language skills, cultural experiences, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion) for all learners in the global economy. Past exhibitors for this event included representatives from Mercedes-Benz, UPS, FBI, Truist, U.S. Department of State, Peace Corps, and many more.
In its most recent iteration, the Center for Urban Language Teaching and Research (CULTR) held the 9th Annual World Languages Day in-person on Oct. 19.
To stay up-to-date on developments for World Languages Day, sign up for CULTR’s monthly newsletter below.
The 9th Annual World Languages Day Recap
The 9th Annual World Languages Day was held on Oct. 19, 2023, in person. To see the panelist session and the performance session for the first time or as a return, please click on the 2023 WLD Videos tab and enjoy!
2023 World Language Day Videos
2023 Moderator
Dr. Tim Jansa
International Education Consultant (Internal), CULTR
2023 Panelists
Marquis Daly
Marketing Consultant, Japan-America Society of Georgia
Erika Denman
Volunteer Coordinator, International Rescue Committee
Darrah DeVane
Student, Academic English Tutor
Aiyana Mathews
Founder and President, Gardner-Mathews Global Management
Erin Obarowski
Study Abroad Student Assistant, Georgia State University
2023 Exhibitors
- A Tiger’s Whiskers: Roaring Echoes of Korean Folk Art
- Alif Institute
- Atlanta Institute for Diplomatic Leadership
- Atlanta Public Schools
- Campus Europe
- Central Intelligence Agency
- Consulate General of France in Atlanta
- Consulate General of Israel to the Southeast U.S.
- English Language Programs (U.S. Department of State)
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Girls Going Global
- Global Atlanta
- Globalization and Localization Association
- Goethe-Zentrum Atlanta
- GSU Career Services
- GSU Creative Media Industries Institute
- GSU Cultures, Communities and Inclusion
- GSU Institute of International Business & Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER)
- GSU Latinx Student Services and Outreach
- GSU Lewis College of Nursing
- GSU Study Abroad Program
- GSU World Languages and Cultures
- Hands On Atlanta
- Hanwha Advanced Materials Georgia
- International Charter Academy of Georgia
- International Rescue Committee
- J-1 Visa Exchanges
- Japan Exchange & Teaching (JET) Program Alumni Association of the Southeast (JETAASE)
- JET Program
- Klett World Languages
- Korean Education Center in Atlanta
- KOTRA
- LaAmistad
- Language Center of Congo
- Language Connects Foundation
- Mayor’s Office of International and Immigrant Affairs – Welcoming Atlanta
- Nexien, Inc
- One Ten
- Owl Learning
- Pasona NA
- Peace Corps
- Sigma Epsilon Alpha/NSGS; GSU Nursing Organizations
- Sigma Lambda Upsilon/Señoritas Latinas Unidas Sorority Inc.
- SIMPLEnetworking, LLC
- Spanglish Multilingual Agency
- Swedish American Chamber of Commerce
- Taiwan Center for Mandarin Learning in Atlanta
- The Japan-America Society of Georgia
- Translation Station, Inc.
- USAID
- Yi Hwang Academy
- Youth Action Without Borders
2023 Sponsors
CULTR would like to thank the following organizations for their generous support of the 9th annual World Languages Day. These participants send a powerful message to the community regarding the importance of global opportunities and languages for all!
2023 World Languages Day Schedule
8:30–9:00 a.m. / Exhibitor Arrival & Check-In, Set Up & Networking
9:15 a.m. / Welcoming Comments for Exhibitors: Dr. Hakyoon Lee
9:30 a.m. / Schools Arrive and Welcoming to Schools: Dr. Hakyoon Lee
9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. / Career Expo: Exhibitors in Student Center East Ballroom
10:00–10:45 a.m. / Session 1: Exhibitors in Ballroom, Panel in Speaker’s Auditorium and Performers in Veteran’s Memorial Hall
11:00–11:45 a.m. / Session 2: Exhibitors in Ballroom, Panel in Speaker’s Auditorium and Performers in Veteran’s Memorial Hall
Noon–12:45 p.m. / Session 3: Exhibitors in Ballroom, Panel in Speaker’s Auditorium and Performers in Veteran’s Memorial Hall
1–2:30 p.m. / Georgia State students time with Exhibitors
2:30–3:15 p.m. / Exhibitor Breakdown
Event Videos
World Languages Day aims to provide engaging content, immersive discussion, and a meaningful experience for all attendees. See these elements in action through event recordings below.
Past Events
SCHOOLS
Leading up to our most recent event, the CULTR team was struck by the warm response from interested and attending students, teachers, and organizations. This section highlights the impact of World Languages Week 2021.
38
Countries Represented
As highlighted by 88% of registered attendees never attending in the past (↑ 8% since last year), this year’s virtual format has enabled school attendance from across the world.
39
U.S. States Represented
(↑ 44% since last year)
212
Registered Schools
(↑ 242% since last year)
442
Distinct Count of Registrations
Representing schools, classrooms, and individuals (students, teachers, general attendees, etc.), registrants signed on to access the live events or post-event recordings.
7,867
Registered Students
(↑ 38% from last year)
4,828 students joined in during the week’s live sessions
Registered teachers estimate that close to 8,000 students would be engaging with the event livestream or recorded videos from World Languages Week. 61% of this count joined in during the week’s live sessions to listen in and interact with panelist speakers.
School Environment (%)
- Rural
- Suburban
- Urban
Subjects Taught By Teachers (%)
Top 15 College Student Majors (% of college students)
WHAT ARE ATTENDEES SAYING?
9 out of 10
Agree This Event Positively Impacted the Future of Attending Students
100%
Agree This Event Is A Positive Resource
SPONSORS
Event Sponsors
SCHOOLS
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Center for Urban Language Teaching and Learning (CULTR) converted its World Languages Day event into a virtual, weeklong format for October 2020. Rebranded as World Languages Week, this event aimed to make attendance accessible to a wider audience and connect students to exciting opportunities presented through the study of languages. Special thanks to all attendees for participating and helping to make this year’s event a huge success!
27
States Represented
As highlighted by 80% of registered attendees never attending in the past, this year’s move to a virtual format enabled student attendance from across the country.
62
Schools Represented
1,042
Total Users
Logging in from across the country, educators were able to encourage individual students or entire classrooms to participate in the active discussions.
5,696
Number of Students
Registered teachers estimate that nearly 6,000 high school students would be engaging with event webinars, video, and resources during World Languages Week.
School Environment (%)
- Rural
- Suburban
- Urban
Subjects Taught By Teachers (%)
- Spanish
- French
- Chinese
- Other
- German
- Latin
- ESOL
- DLI
- Arabic
Top 10 College Student Majors
WHAT ARE ATTENDEES SAYING?
9 out of 10
Agree This Event Positively Impacted the Future of Attending Students
100%
Agree This Event Is A Positive Resource
SPONSORS
Event Sponsors
SCHOOLS
Passionate Teachers and Students
Seeing the value in World Languages Day, schools from across the state packed onto buses and drove to Georgia State University. Some schools left hours before school even started to attend as highlighted by Bertha Delgadillo’s class from Woodville Tompkins Technical & Career High School. This dedicated school drove over 4 hours to attend World Languages Day!
Below, World Languages Day 2019 also welcomed exchange students from Middelfart, Denmark thanks to Margret Heeren and Whitewater High School. These students are studying in the United States to pursue their interests as educators.
978
Attending High School and College Students
25
Schools Across Georgia
Grade Distribution (%)
- 9th
- 10th
- 11th
- 12th
88.9%
Students Agree This Event Positively Impacted Their Future
Student Career Interests
SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS
49
*53.1% increase from the previous year (32)
Participating organizations connected with high school and college students on how globalization and language proficiency help them to further business goals, reach international markets, and make a difference in an increasingly interconnected world.
86.7%
Organization Attendees Recommend Others to Participate
Industry Breakdown (%)
- Chamber of Commerce
- Business/Commerce
- Consulate General
- Government
- Higher Education
- K-12 Education
- Non-profit
- Other
Favorite Part of Event (Organization Attendees)
1. Engaging with Students
2. Networking with Diverse Industries
3. Great Attendance
Sponsors
Exhibitors
Alif Institute ● Alliance Française d’Atlanta ● Atlanta Convention & Visitors Bureau ● Atlanta Global Studies Center ● Atlanta Institute for Diplomatic Leadership ● Business Communication for Internationals-USA, LLC ● Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) ● City of Atlanta Mayor’s Office of International Affairs ● Consulate General of Ireland ● Consulate General of Japan in Atlanta ● Consulate General of Switzerland ● Consulate General of the Kingdom of Belgium ● Cultural Services of the French Embassy ● DeKalb County School District ● Drug Enforcement Administration ● Georgia Department of Education ● Georgia Hispanic Chamber of Commerce ● German American Exchange Inc. ● Gilman Scholarship Acceptance ● Global Youth Ambassadors Program ● GSU Cecil B. Day School of Hospitality ● GSU CIBER ● GSU Confucius Institute ● GSU CULTR ● GSU Early Childhood and Elementary Education ● GSU Institute of international Business ● GSU Latino Student Services and Outreach ● GSU Multicultural Center ● GSU OII ● GSU Rialto Center for the Arts ● GSU Study Abroad Programs ● GSU World Languages & Cultures ● HTP J-1 Visa Programs ● J-1 Visa Exchanges ● Korean Education Center in Atlanta ● Le Pont Translations, LLC ● Mercedes Benz USA ● MHP – A Porsche Company ● Peace Corps ● Québec Government Office in Atlanta ● re:imagine/ATL ● SeSo, Inc. ● The IRC in Atlanta ● The Japan America Society of Georgia ● Translation Station, Inc. ● uBuntuSpeaks, LLC ● USA Global Education Services LLC ● Welcoming Atlanta ● WellStar Health Systems
Panel Discussion
Building on the the opportunity for students to interact with leading organization representatives, the panel discussion sessions serve as a platform to develop a deeper understanding of important topics, such as workforce readiness, language study, and global competencies from experienced professionals. We warmly thank all of the participating speakers for the valuable (and fun) conversations with students.
Chi Chi Okezie │ SIMPLEnetworking, LLC
Owner / Producer
Chi Chi Okezie is owner / producer of SIMPLEnetworking, LLC which specializes in business networking, diversity and inclusion and cultural competency. Chi Chi speaks three languages (English, French and Ibo). She engages her clients in developing their communication, leadership and interpersonal skills via seminars, events and consulting. Chi Chi also blogs as the “Champion Networker”, is a keynote at events and has published 2 books on networking. Her company received a Proclamation for Business Networking Day for November 13th. She is also the recipient of the Class of 2013: 40 Under 40 for Connect and Rejuvenate Magazines, 2015 Emory Campus Life Volunteer and the 2017 William Norton Outstanding Alumna for Oxford College of Emory. Chi Chi is a member of the Emory Alumni Association, Women In Technology (WIT), Golf Women Mean Business (GWMB), Atlanta Diversity Advocacy Management Group (ADMAG) and Harvest Life Church.
Nozomi Morgan │ Michiki Morgan Worldwide
CEO
Nozomi Morgan is the CEO of Michiki Morgan Worldwide. She leads a team of world-class experts who help international organizations when they have a critical need to improve quality, performance, and profitability through building a culture of excellence beyond boundaries and differences. Her diverse international background — born in Japan and having lived in Asia, Europe and North America — gives her a wealth of experience and knowledge as a trusted partner to organizations. She is a regular contributor to Forbes.com and Huffington Post. She holds an MBA from Yale School of Management.
William Dee │ Porsche AG
Customer Experience Strategy Consultant, MHP Americas
William Dee is a customer experience strategy consultant with MHP Americas, an IT consulting subsidiary of Porsche AG. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in both German for International Business and Marketing from Georgia State University in 2018 while interning at Porsche Cars North America and in Germany. He provides his clients with project management and process optimization in the field of connected vehicles and data management. William has recently returned to the United States after a long-term assignment in Germany where he supported his client with legal compliance project management.
Darius Beasley │ Georgia State University
French Instructor
Darius Beasley is an Instructor at Georgia State University (GSU) and at the Alliance Française of Atlanta. He graduated with a Master’s degree in French Studies from GSU and a Bachelor’s in French and TESOL from Michigan State University (MSU). At MSU he also gained his teacher certification while participating in the Urban Educators Cohort Program. Darius has experience teaching French in the K-12, university and adult education settings in the United States. Abroad he has taught English in countries such as Malaysia and France. Darius has recently returned from having taught English at La Sorbonne University in Paris, France.
Dr. Tim Jansa │ Georgia State University
Business Manager
Dr. Jansa has served as Business Manager for the Department of World Languages and Cultures since 2015 and manages all financial aspects of the Department’s multi-million-dollar budget, including payroll, procurement, account reconciliation, and budget projections. His duties also include post-award grant management and expense reporting. Jansa earned a doctorate (Ed.D.) in Educational Leadership with a focus on higher education from Georgia State University. His research centers on leadership at the intersection of college and university internationalization with postsecondary world language education. His studies have also granted him profound insights into the financial and organizational workings of institutions of higher education and greatly informs his management of budgets in keeping with institutional policies, procedures, and regulations, as well as staff leadership and development.
SCHOOLS
Passionate Teachers and Students
Seeing the value in World Languages Day, schools from across the state packed onto buses and drove to Georgia State University. Some schools left hours before school even started to attend as highlighted by Effingham College and Career Academy. This dedicated school drove over 4 hours to attend World Languages Day!
1,017
Attending High School Students
23
High Schools Across Georgia
Grade Distribution (%)
- 9th
- 10th
- 11th
- 12th
89.3%
Students Agree This Event Positively Impacted Their Career Aspirations
Student Career Interests
SPONSORS AND EXHIBITORS
32
Participating organizations connected with over 1,000 students on how globalization and language proficiency help them to further business goals, reach international markets, and make a difference in an increasingly interconnected world.
95.2%
Organization Attendees Recommend Others to Participate
Industry Breakdown (%)
- Arts and Culture
- Business/Commerce
- National Security
- Travel/Tourism
- Education
- Translation
- Diplomacy
Favorite Part of Event
1. Engaging with Students
2. Networking with Exhibitors
3. Event Organization/Communication
Sponsors
Speakers
Building on the the opportunity for students to interact with leading organization representatives, the speaker sessions serve as a platform to develop a deeper understanding of important topics, such as workforce readiness, language study, and global competencies. We warmly thank all of the participating organizations and speakers for the valuable discussion.
Ricardo de la Cruz Martínez Ocadiz, SIS Procurement Information Director at the Coca-Cola Company
Shanita Miller, Director of Development and Community Outreach at Alliance Francaise d’Atlanta
Representatives from the CIA’s Open Source Enterprise
John Woodward, Senior Director of Foreign Investment at the Metro Atlanta Chamber