Courses | Language Tutoring | Student Opportunities | Faculty & Staff Resources

A Message of Gratitude and a New Chapter for the CSLC

It is with a heart full of gratitude and a touch of bittersweet reflection that I share my decision to retire from the University at the end of the current academic year.

When I first joined the Notre Dame family in 1999, I could not have imagined the profound journey that lay ahead. Over the decades, and specifically during my tenure leading the CSLC since 2020, I have been so lucky to witness the transformative power of language - watching as "the spark of discovery" in a student turned a simple classroom into a gateway for intercultural understanding.

I am immensely proud of the milestones we have reached together in the CSLC, from launching the Foreign Language Internship Program (FLIP) to expanding the Fulbright Teaching Assistants cohort and establishing our vibrant Language and Culture Week (LCW). To my colleagues—Mary Davis, Eva Hoeckner, Hana Kang, Julia E. Kim and Alanna O'Shea—thank you from the bottom of my heart for your unwavering dedication to our mission; any success the CSLC has achieved belongs to this passionate and committed team. As I prepare for this next chapter, I do so with complete confidence in the future of the Center.

It is my great pleasure to introduce Julia E. Kim as the new Director of the CSLC.

Since joining us in 2022, Julia has been an invaluable leader as the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) Coordinator. Her commitment to fostering global competence and her extensive background as a language teacher and mentor demonstrate the depth of expertise she brings to this role. I have no doubt that under Julia's leadership, the Center will continue to flourish and find new ways to foster a deeper understanding of the languages and the cultures that bring us together.

I look forward to seeing the CSLC reach even greater heights and will always remain a steadfast friend of this wonderful community.

With deep gratitude and affection, grazie.

Alessia Blad-Miller

New Director Spotlight

Eun-Young “Julia” Kim brings over two decades of expertise in applied linguistics and language pedagogy to her role as Director.

Before joining Notre Dame in 2022 to coordinate the English for Academic Purposes (EAP) program at the University of Notre Dame, Julia spent 12 years directing MA TESOL and English programs at Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan.

Beyond her administrative leadership, Julia is an active voice in the field of global Englishes, serving as an editor and researcher for major academic presses. She draws on her own experience as a native Korean speaker to champion critical pedagogy that supports students and faculty from all linguistic backgrounds.

Julia is committed to using her 20 years of experience to empower the next generation of global scholars through the CSLC’s diverse language and culture programs. WELCOME!

.

WE NEED YOUR HELP

for our former ND Kiswahili FLTAs

Miriam Mwakalibule is a compassionate Kiswahili instructor who served as a Fulbright FLTA at the University of Notre Dame during the 2024-2025 academc year. Known for her dedication to others, she has long supported her family as the eldest daughter.

Her 9-year-old brother, Ambwene, was recently diagnosed with dystrophic scoliosis, a severe and rapidly progressing spinal condition that requires surgery to prevent it from worsening. Unfortunately, the cost of the procedure is far beyond what her family can afford, despite Miriam working multiple jobs and seeking assistance from medical institutions without success.

Without treatment, Ambwene’s condition will continue to deteriorate, increasing his pain. Meanwhile, Miriam may have to delay her own goal of pursuing a Master’s degree, as she prioritizes caring for her family.

Donate here

English for Academic Purposes Fall 2026 courses

Academic Presentations for International Students (2 credits)
Thu 2:00 pm - 3:25 pm

Advanced Academic Writing for the Age of AI (2 credits)
Thu 12:30 pm - 1:55 pm

Introduction to Classical Nahuatl Language and Culture (1 credit)

Tue 2:00 - 2:50 pm | DeBartolo 330

This course serves as an introduction to Classical Nahuatl, the indigenous American language spoken across the Mexica (Aztec) Empire and first written in phonetic script by Franciscan missionaries in the 16th century. Nahuatl remains one of the most widely-spoken Indigenous American languages today, with some 1.7 million native speakers across Mexico and Central America.

Summer 2026

Online Language Courses

Don't miss the opportunity

to take a summer language course!

Beginning Spanish I (4 credits)

Mon/Wed/Fri 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm with Prof. Segovia

Tue/Wed/Thu 2:30 pm - 4:30 pm with Prof. Corbellini

Beginning French I (4 credits)

Tue/Wed/Thu 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm with Prof. Haileselassie

Tue/Wed/Thu 7:00 pm - 9:00 pm with Prof. Reising

Intermediate French I (4 credits)

Tue/Wed/Thu 12:15 - 2:15 pm with Prof. Reising

Beginning Italian I (4 credits)

Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm with Prof. Gurney

Mon/Tue/Wed/Thu 12:15 pm - 2:15 pm with Prof. Vivirito

Globally Engaged Citizens (GEC) Program

The GEC recognizes what students already do to engage with other languages and cultures. The CSLC launched the GEC program in Fall 2021 and currently has 300+ enrolled students in this program. The program is open to every student at Notre Dame, regardless of major, college, or language study background. You can register at any time. Curious? Click below to learn more and to register.

For questions about the program, please contact Professor Eva Hoeckner (ehoeckn2@nd.edu).

Learn more about GEC

Your Support Matters.

Thanks to you, the CSLC is able to continue fulfilling its mission to support the advancement of linguistic proficiency and cultural awareness for students in all languages across the Notre Dame community. All funds received from donors are used to support student language and culture programs.

Donate to the CSLC

Manage your preferences | Opt out using TrueRemove®
Got this as a forward? Sign up to receive our future emails.
View this email online.

334 Bond Hall
Notre Dame, IN | 46556 United States

This email was sent to jenn.lechtanski@nd.edu.
To continue receiving our emails, add us to your address book.