Join us for a student information session on the Laidlaw Undergraduate Research and Leadership Program. Open to first- and second-year Cornellians, the program provides generous support for you to carry out internationally-focused research of your choice, develop leadership skills that you put into action, and join a global network of like-minded scholars.

Learn more about the programmatic and financial benefits of the Laidlaw Scholars Program, how research and leadership are intertwined, how to approach potential faculty research mentors, and the criteria by which applications will be evaluated. Don't miss this opportunity to get all of your questions answered!

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The Mario Einaudi Center for International Studies hosts info sessions for graduate and for undergraduate students. To learn more about funding opportunities, international travel, research, and internships, view the full calendar of spring semester sessions.

Go global in summer 2024!

Global Internships give you valuable international work experience in fields spanning global development, climate and sustainability, international relations, communication, business, governance, and more.

All Global Interns receive an award totaling at least $3,000. Apply by February 1.

Go global in summer 2024!

Global Internships give you valuable international work experience in fields spanning global development, climate and sustainability, international relations, communication, business, governance, and more.

All Global Interns receive an award totaling at least $3,000. Apply by February 1.

Register in advance

The African Ecology and Conservation semester study abroad program centers on learning to do quality field research in South Africa’s varied biomes. South Africa is a diverse and dynamic nation that continues to redefine itself in the post-apartheid era. It has strong tradition of environmental protection, which has resulted in the creation of many protected areas that offer excellent research opportunities for students. Learn more from the Director, Laurence Kruger, returned Cornell study abroad students, and the Education Abroad Office.

"An Approach To Teaching Twi As A Second Language Using Progressive Learning"
Francis Akutey-Baffoe
African Language Program Preceptor, Harvard University

People are becoming increasingly dependent on languages other than their native tongues because of globalization. Because of this, the need for learning second languages has significantly increased over the past few decades as research has established that it broadens the mind (Archibald, 2004). In recent times, the teaching of African languages as second language in tertiary institutions in the United States has taken a significant boost, and one of such languages is Twi, a richly cultural Akan dialect. In this talk, a progressive learning approach will be explored for teaching Twi as a second language. However, teaching Twi as a second language, when learners come from different backgrounds and cultures, pedagogy becomes more challenging. A major focus of this talk will be progressive learning, which encompasses several key strategies, such as understanding learners' needs, establishing a solid foundation, encouraging communication, and the integration of technology. With the strategies outlined, it is more important to determine how they can be implemented practically and effectively. This talk examines a typical syllabus as an example for teaching Twi as a second language through a progressive learning approach.

Bio: Francis Akutey-Baffoe is from Kumasi in Ghana. He is a Preceptor of African Languages in the Department of African and African American Studies at Harvard University. He holds a bachelor’s degree in Twi and Sociology and a master’s degree in Ghanaian Languages (Twi) from the University of Cape Coast. He was a Teaching Assistant and later a Demonstrator in the Department of Ghanaian Languages and Linguistics at the University of Cape Coast between 2012 and 2018. He has also been a language instructor for non-Twi-speaking foreigners at the University of Cape Coast-Ghana. During the 2017/2018 academic year, Francis taught as a part-time lecturer for the University of Cape Coast’s Institute of Education Sandwich program. He was also an assistant examiner for the Institute of Education, University of Cape Coast, between 2016 and 2018. Mr. Akutey-Baffoe has an interest in Akan literature, Akan cultural studies, Akan language and linguistics, and translations from English to Twi and Twi to English. He has worked with the Bible Society of Ghana as a reviewer and a translator. He has also transcribed and translated many research data from Twi to English.

This event will be held in person in G25 Stimson Hall.

The event is free and open to the public. Campus visitors and members of the public must adhere to Cornell's public health requirements for events.

Co-sponsored by the Language Resource Center.