College of Arts & Sciences

Advancing Language Learning and Internationalization through Curriculum Enhancement (ALLICE)

The ALLICE program is a collaborative effort between the Languages and Cultures Department and the Communication Department to pursue 3 objectives:

Objective #1 : Expansion of Study Abroad and Cultural Immersion Opportunities
Objective #2 : Professional Development For Language Learners
Objective #3 : Promotion of International Studies and Langauge Learning

Objective 1: Expansion Of Study Abroad and Cultural Immersion Opportunities

Expand study abroad and cultural immersion opportunities to enhance students' cultural understanding by expanding study abroad opportunities, developing courses on Race and Ethnicity in Latin America and Spanish Media, creating a French travel seminar, expanding French courses, and fostering global cultural awareness among students.

Faculty - Led Travel Seminars

MARTINIQUE & GUADELOUPE, FRENCH CARIBBEAN

Instructor (s): Dr. Sophia Khadraoui - Fortune

Course Name: History and Identity in Martinique and Guadeloupe, HNRS 309/FREN 3ST, FALL 2025

After a semester of in-depth study, students will embark on a transformative ten-day travel course to the breathtaking islands of Guadeloupe and Martinique in the French Caribbean. This immersive experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the region’s rich cultural heritage, tracing its indigenous roots, colonial history, and contemporary identity. Engage in thoughtfully curated excursions that showcase the islands' most distinctive aspects - from the diverse flavors of Creole cuisine and traditional artisanry to pristine beaches, lush rainforests, dynamic marketplaces, and historic landmarks, including centuries-old fortresses and (post)colonial monuments. Throughout the journey, refine your critical thinking and cross-cultural competencies through vlogging, journaling, and group discussions, fostering a deeper understanding of the complex social, historical, and environmental forces shaping the French Caribbean today.

Through the support of the ALLICE Grant, we were able to award 7 scholarships exclusively to students participating in the Martinique & Guadeloupe seminar.

PUERTO RICO

Instructor (s): Dr. Rafaela Fiore Urizar and Dr. Sheridan Wigginton

Course Name: Race and Ethnicity in Latin America, SPAN 380X, Spring 2026

After a semester of in-depth study, students will embark on an immersive two-week travel experience to Puerto Rico, where they will engage in a comparative analysis of race and ethnicity in Latin America from the colonial era to the present day. Students will examine how national identity and language have been used to obscure deeply rooted racial hierarchies, gaining firsthand insight into the social and historical dynamics shaping the region. Through site visits, cultural interactions, and critical discussions, this experience brings classroom learning to life, deepening students' understanding of race, identity, and power in Latin America.

Through the support of the ALLICE Grant, we were able to award 9 scholarships exclusively to students participating in the Puerto Rico seminar.

See where Cal Lutheran can take you

Objective 2: Professional Development For Language Learners

This objective aims to enhance the professional development of language learners through the creation of an online format for the Spanish Bilingual Authorization Program and maintaining precise monitoring of students' performance using AVANT language assessment.

Students can use the Avant STAMP 4S results when applying for the job market or graduate school as a way to verify their Spanish language skills.
The test is aligned with the ACTFL proficiency guideline in terms of speaking, writing, listening, and reading in real-world situations in a spontaneous and non rehearsed context.

lEARN ABOUT THE AVANT EXAM HERE

Objective 3: Promotion of International Studies and Language Learning

This objective aims to promote international studies and language learning by creating experiential learning opportunities, conducting workshops for faculty on developing travel seminars, and offering work experience in Spanish-language media to enhance coverage of Latinx issues in The Echo and El Eco.

The Echo / El Eco Newspaper

“El Eco” is the Spanish-language newspaper at Cal Lutheran, that is inserted into the university’s student-produced newspaper, “The Echo,” and distributed across campus online as well as on a paper newsletter.

El Eco/The Echo

Through the ALLICE Grant, we are able to provide hands-on work experience in Spanish-language media while broadening coverage of Latinx issues in The Echo and El Eco through the hiring of a beat reporter. Each semester, one student is selected for this role, giving them the opportunity to develop professional journalism skills, produce bilingual content, and amplify stories that reflect the experiences and voices of the Latinx community on campus and beyond.

Read their work below.

Fall 2023 BEAT REPORTER: ERIKA FLORES

Spring 2024 Beat reporter: VAL VIDAL

Fall 2024 Beat Reporter: Val VIDAL

SPRING 2025 Beat Reporter: Ashley Lopez & MARGARITA LIEVANOS

Fall 2025 Beat Reporter: Ashley Lopez & MARGARITA LIEVANOS

Spring 2026 Beat reporter: Natalia Quezada

Student Beat Reporter Testimonials

a.s . Ashley Lopez 25'

Major: Communication (Advertising and Public Relations)

Minor: Spanish Media

What did you learn from working as a beat reporter and writing articles in Spanish and English? "As a beat reporter, I learned numerous things, including events impacting both the local and international Latino community, and how to better communicate".

Natalia Quezada 26'

Major: Marketing Communication

Minor: Business Administration

What did you learn from working as a beat reporter and writing articles in Spanish and English? "As a Latinx beat reporter for The Echo, I have learned to step out of my comfort zone by interviewing individuals whom I have never met before. Writing articles has taught me a lot about communication and the value of representation. It is important to include articles in Spanish and English to have information accessible due to language barriers".

Experiential Learning Trip to Los Angeles

Hollywood

On November 16, 2024, students participated in a cultural day trip to Los Angeles, visiting the Academy Museum of Motion Pictures to explore the global history of film and discuss representation in media. The group also shared lunch at Monsieur Marcel Gourmet Market & Bistro, where they experienced French cuisine and continued conversations about language and culture. The ALLICE Grant fully funded tickets and meals, ensuring all students could participate and gain meaningful intercultural learning experiences beyond the classroom.

To Obtain More Information, Contact The Grant Administrators :

Fiore