Learning world languages opens many doors to personal, professional and academic development. It provides a critical perspective through which students understand their individual identity and global community. Vistamar students are prepared to be orally proficient and culturally competent—to communicate effectively in real-life situations, and know how, when, and why to say what to whom.
Department Objectives
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Be orally proficient
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Be culturally competent
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Develop a broader understanding of global community
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Possess a deeper sense of one´s identity
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Foster opportunities for academic, professional & personal growth
Oral Proficiency Requirement
Vistamar students study at least one language other than English for a minimum of three years. To achieve a higher level of proficiency, students are encouraged to take a fourth year course. To reflect both local and global cultures, three distinctive programs are offered: Mandarin Chinese, Spanish, and Heritage Spanish. Small groups of students are provided with individualized support as they develop oral proficiency in an intimate, student-centered setting.
In order to qualify for the Vistamar diploma, all students must pass an oral proficiency test in a second language in addition to fulfilling the minimum course requirement. Students must attain a minimum level of “Intermediate-Mid” based on standards established by the American Council of Teachers of Foreign Language (ACTFL). Students in the Heritage Spanish program must attain a minimum level of “Advanced-Low” in both speaking and writing.
