SLLC Hosts Second Annual Languages Mean the World Day

High school students get an immersive look at language learning and campus life at SLLC.

By Lauren Hargrave 

The University of Maryland School of Languages, Literatures, and Cultures (SLLC) hosted its second annual Languages Mean the World Day on April 10, 2025, welcoming more than 300 high school students from Howard County and Anne Arundel County Public Schools to campus to explore language learning opportunities and global engagement.

The day began at the Hoff Theater, where students were welcomed by the SLLC Director, associate professor Mel Scullen, and Maya Labarca, who coordinated the day’s events. Students listened to brief presentations about the Language House, careers for language majors, and possibilities for study abroad. Students were then divided into small groups with a student or staff UMD guide and rotated through a sequence of planned events. 

My group first met with representatives from SLLC, Language House, the College of Arts and Humanities, the UMD Fellows Program, the National Scholarships Office and Education Abroad. Presentations offered insight into the wide range of academic and extracurricular programs available to students interested in languages and international experiences.

Then students had the chance to observe a live Portuguese language class, taught by assistant clinical professor Barbara Zocal Da Silva. The visit gave them a firsthand look at college-level language instruction and how it compares to their own high school classrooms.

At the Language House, students participated in the “Around the World” event, where they met faculty and current students from various language programs. Activities included trivia, calligraphy and interactive, language-based games.

Students enjoyed a brief guided campus tour, which highlighted key landmarks such as McKeldin Library, the Mall, Francis Scott Key Hall and Jiménez Hall—the central hub for language learning.

The visit concluded with lunch for all at the Language House. 

Languages Mean the World Day provided an exciting introduction to SLLC and the broad range of global opportunities available through language study at the University of Maryland.

Photos taken by Lauren Hargrave.