Whether you’re interested in enhancing your career potential, increasing your understanding of world culture, or just looking for an opportunity to connect with new people and perhaps make a few friends, MATC offers an array of clubs and extracurricular activities to suit your needs. Among them is the new World Language and Culture Club, which celebrates diversity and promotes appreciation for language and culture.
Involvement in extracurricular clubs and activities can connect students to opportunities that enhance their cultural understanding and interpersonal skills. According to club adviser Elizabeth Cerpich, who is a former Peace Corps volunteer and also a recent addition to MATC’s faculty, the club was started as a way to promote international friendship. “I think it provides [students] with new experiences, creates new interest and leads them down different paths they didn’t anticipate before.” Cerpich also explains that club membership “tends to connect them more with their studies… it gets them more involved in school.”
Another goal of the club is to involve students in projects that increase their career potential, by “being more sensitive to other cultures and people from other backgrounds, being a better communicator, and learning how to honor and respect their primary culture,” says Cerpich. In a growing, globalizing economy, she says these skills translate well in the workplace and can create great working relationships.
A typical meeting involves ice-breakers and activities where students get to know one another and share their cultural background.
Cerpich explains that in addition to general meetings, members enjoy highlighted activities. These include presentations, guest speakers, outings to ethnic restaurants, viewing and discussing foreign films, and museum trips. Cerpich expresses hope to have a future book drive, as well as a dance night where students can enjoy learning about dances from around the world.
Students of all campuses who are looking to get the most out of their college experience are invited to attend upcoming meetings on March 31 and April 21  at noon in Room M392. Membership is recognized with an official Member Card that comes at a one-time fee of $3. If the World Language and Culture Club sounds like your cup of tea, horchata or kvas, you can speak with club advisers Elizabeth Cerpich, 414-297-7779 ext. 25095,and Sara Bachleitner,  414-297-7779 ext. 71269, for further information on the benefits of membership.

Gallery • 4 Photos

Photo by Kirsten Schmitt/Times