Abstract
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Miami Dade College’s dual-language program is helping high-achieving bilingual students, many of whom are recent immigrants, to thrive in a bilingual world.
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The program offers classes in Spanish for a range of subjects, from biology to philosophy.
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The program is part of the honors college and is exclusively offered at the Eduardo J. Padrón campus in Little Havana.
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The program has seen success, with nearly all students going on to transfer and graduate from four-year schools.
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Other colleges and universities have shown interest in the program, but implementation in their communities requires careful planning.
Miami Dade College: Fostering Bilingualism in Higher Education
Miami Dade College is making strides in bilingual education with its unique dual-language program. The program, one of the few of its kind in the nation, offers high-achieving bilingual students the opportunity to take classes in Spanish across a variety of subjects, from biology to philosophy. This initiative is part of the college’s commitment to fostering a bilingual learning environment that caters to the needs of its diverse student body.
The Dual-Language Program: A Niche Initiative
The dual-language program is a niche initiative that requires students to be bilingual. «We don’t teach English, nor do we teach Spanish. And our whole goal is to have you stay bilingual,” said Magda Castineyra, the former director of the Miami Dade College dual-language program. The program was launched in 2006 and accepts 75 new students each year, with more than 75% born outside the US.
The Impact on Students
The program has had a profound impact on its students, many of whom are recent immigrants. For students like Muriel Sarmiento, who immigrated from Venezuela as a teenager, the program has been transformative. The support and guidance provided by the program’s staff, many of whom are immigrants themselves, have been instrumental in helping students navigate the challenges of college life.
The Success of the Program
The dual-language program has an impressive track record. Nearly all students go on to transfer and graduate from four-year schools. Last year, three dual-language students — all of whom are recent immigrants — transferred to the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
The Future of Bilingual Education
The success of Miami Dade College’s dual-language program has sparked interest from other colleges and universities. However, implementing such a program requires careful planning and consideration of the specific needs of the community. As the US continues to diversify, with nearly 42 million Spanish speakers, the need for bilingual education in higher education institutions is more pressing than ever.
Conclusion
Miami Dade College’s dual-language program is a shining example of how higher education institutions can foster bilingualism and cater to the needs of their diverse student bodies. The program’s success underscores the importance of bilingual education in today’s increasingly globalized world.