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Get Involved

Learning in our department isn’t limited to the classroom. Our faculty and students work together i clubs and organizations to inspire debate, solve problems, and enrich communities. They travel together in our faculty-led study abroad programs. Studying in World Languages and Cultures doesn’t just mean learning about a culture — it means taking part.

Clubs, Organizations and Community Involvement

Our students are out in the field, using and building language and communication skills. We have clubs and organizations for several languages and interests that match students with social and volunteer opportunities around Raleigh.

VOLAR students

Spanish Club

The purpose of the club is to provide the opportunity for members to speak Spanish and increase their knowledge and awareness of the Spanish-speaking world through language, film, music, cuisine and history. Meetings are held weekly in Withers Hall from 6-7 PM. The specific location changes each week, so updates are sent weekly via email. For more information, visit their website or Instagram @spanishclubncsu

VOLAR

VOLAR partners students of Spanish with organizations that address the needs of the Hispanic community. These collaborations are mutually beneficial — students practice and enhance their language skills while gaining professional experience and “soft skills,” and outreach organizations are better able to fulfill their mission with the help of these valuable volunteers. For more information, visit their website ​​or Instagram @volarncstate

Spanish Ambassadors

The Spanish Ambassadors are a student-led group dedicated to fostering community among Spanish majors and minors, organizing cultural and professional events like Café Spanglish, and representing the Spanish section at university events. Ambassadors also collaborate with Spanish-related student organizations and promote engagement through social media and outreach initiatives. For more information, visit their website https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/organization/ncsuspanish or follow their Instagram: @ncsuspanish

Cafe Spanglish

Café Spanglish is a program created to connect students learning Spanish at NC State with international Spanish speakers on campus. The paired students will have the opportunity to share language, exchange culture and build friendships through a handful of large group events and other activities of their choice. For more information, contact Deborah Kane (dtkane@ncsu.edu) or follow the Spanish Ambassadors on Instagram: @ncsuspanish

Sigma Delta Pi

The Xi Omicron chapter of Sigma Delta Pi, the National Collegiate Hispanic Honor Society, at North Carolina State focuses on academic and community services activities throughout the year, carrying on the North Carolina State tradition of reaching beyond the borders of the University to help the local community. For more information, contact Jim Michnowocz (michnowicz@ncsu.edu).

Mexican American Student Association

MASA, our Mexican American Student Association, is a cultural organization that promotes cultural and social awareness, community service, and exploration of Mexican culture. Our organization serves to provide Mexican Americans and their community allies the ability to obtain a sense of belonging where they can build lifelong connections with others of the same interest, rooted in the knowledge of Mexican culture. For more information, contact Inma Navarro (mnavarr@ncsu.edu).

Bate-Papo: Portuguese Conversation Hour

Our monthly conversation hour is open to speakers at any level, from beginners to native speakers. Practice your conversational Portuguese in a casual setting with others interested in the language and cultures of Brazil and Portugal! All NC State students are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Karen Coachman (kacoachm@ncsu.edu).

NCSU Italian Club – Il Circolo Italiano

The Italian Club at NC State University connects students interested in Italian language and culture through a variety of Italian-themed engaging activities. These include outings to the Opera, bocce & soccer tournaments, cooking lessons that celebrate la cucina italiana, conversation hours, and film viewings. The traditional Cena italiana End of the Semester Potluck dinner—held each December and April—is a signature event that celebrates students with authentic Italian cuisine and a warm, festive atmosphere. The Italian Club sponsors the Summer Study Abroad in Perugia and hosts guest speakers with firsthand experience. It also offers guidance for students interested in internships with Italian companies —connecting students to Italian culture both academically and professionally. Participation is open to all NC State students with an interest in Italian language and culture! For more information contact Anna Rita Bonaduce Dresler (arbonadu@ncsu.edu) and visit their Instagram, @italianclubncstate, their webpage https://getinvolved.ncsu.edu/organization/376 and their Italian Club Calendar.

NCSU Gamma Kappa Alpha (ΓΚΑ) – Italian Honor Society

At NC State, Gamma Kappa Alpha stands for “Knowledge and Virtue.” The purpose of the Honor Society is to recognize outstanding scholastic performance in Italian language and literature and to encourage students to develop a greater interest in and a deeper understanding of Italian culture. It also recognizes individuals in our community who promote cross-cultural understanding between Italy and the United States. Students minoring in Italian Studies who demonstrate strong academic and cultural engagement are eligible for induction. Induction ceremonies are held every Fall and Spring semester. For more information contact Anna Rita Bonaduce Dresler (arbonadu@ncsu.edu).

Korean American Student Association (KASA)

The purpose of the Korean American Student Association is to provide students an opportunity to learn more about Korean and Korean American culture. KASA hosts cultural and social events throughout the academic year, offering attendees a chance to pursue their interests and deepen cultural connections. For the most up-to-date information, follow their Instagram @ncsu_kasa!

Japan Club

Japan Club provides opportunities for students interested in Japanese culture and language to build a community of peers with similar interests while expanding their knowledge about the country. Japan Club offers events and learning opportunites about topics from food to holidays. There is collaboration with GTI to provide opportunities for students to interact with Japanese foreign exchange students each semester. Weekly events are held during the academic year. For more information, please email (ncsu.japan.club@gmail.com) or Instagram (@ncsujc).

Chinese Learning Society

The Chinese Learning Society is a student-run organization open to all NC State students interested in Chinese language and culture. We host weekly events that bring Chinese culture to life, from celebrating Lunar New Year and Mid-Autumn Festival, to enjoying Chinese movies and dramas, playing character and speaking games, collaborating with the Japanese Club on calligraphy, cooking Taiwanese and Chinese dishes, and even belting out Mandarin hits at Karaoke night!

We also offer student-led Chinese study sessions—perfect for anyone looking to learn or improve their Chinese. Come do homework, practice speaking, and study together with fellow Chinese learners!
Our meetings are open to everyone, feel free to stop by anytime (and bring your friends)! For updates on our weekly events and more info, follow us here: https://discord.gg/qvm9e8aP
For more information about the club, please contact the Chinese Club faculty advisor (Ying-Ju Chen, ychen286@ncsu.edu) or Instagram at @ncstatecls

Le Cercle Français

The purpose of the club is to provide the opportunity for members to speak French, meet with Francophone native speakers and increase their knowledge and awareness of the French-speaking world through language, film, music, cuisine and history. For more information, instagram @ncsulcf or contact Diane Henneton (mhennet@ncsu.edu).

Study Abroad with WLC Faculty

World Languages and Cultures faculty direct or lead several study abroad opportunities. Studying abroad with their professors allows students to connect classroom learning with real-world experiences. Faculty-led programs offer built-in support, academic guidance, and a strong sense of community. Students often form closer relationships with professors and peers, making the experience both academically enriching and personally meaningful.

Student abroad

Teach English Abroad with our Internship Programs

Supported by WLC faculty, NCSU students can participate in internship programs where they get hands-on experience teaching English as a foreign language:

NCSU Study Abroad

If our in-house programs with WLC faculty don’t fit your need, the NCSU Study Abroad office that can connect you with study abroad programs around the globe! WLC advisors will work with you to find courses that fit into your degree program.

Conferences

2025 TESOL Symposium, Saturday, May 17, 2025. This professional development opportunity is offered by the TESOL faculty in the Department of World Languages and Cultures (WLC) at NC State.