Global adventures await for local families through new MSU Bulldog Explorers Program
Contact: Sarah Nicholas
STARKVILLE, Miss.—Families in the Starkville community can embark on a fun, educational journey without ever leaving town, thanks to an exciting new initiative led by Mississippi State Associate Professor Kelly Moser—the Bulldog Explorers Program.
Through this program, families can visit the Starkville Public Library the last Friday of each month, beginning Feb. 28, to pick up a specially designed suitcase filled with interactive activities introducing them to different cultures around the world. The initiative aims to make language learning and cultural exploration engaging, hands-on and accessible to all and is sponsored by MSU’s Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures.
“This project is all about sparking curiosity and a love for learning languages and cultures,” Moser said. “We hope families will enjoy this journey around the world—one suitcase at a time.”
Each month, a new destination is featured, complete with themed activities such as language exercises, traditional recipes, dance tutorials, crafts and games. For example, this month’s first suitcase focuses on the Dominican Republic, and participants can learn Spanish food vocabulary, make a traditional drink called morir soñando, craft a faceless doll—muñeca sin rostro—and even learn the steps to the popular Dominican dance, bachata.
To make the experience even more immersive, participants will receive a passport to collect stamps from each destination they “visit” through the program. They also are encouraged to share their experiences by uploading pictures and videos via QR codes provided with the activities.
Supplies are limited, so families are encouraged to grab suitcases early each month to start their adventure.
For more information, contact Moser at kellymoser@cmll.msstate.edu or 662-325-3480.
CMLL is dedicated to fostering global awareness through the study of languages, literatures and cultures. Offering courses in multiple languages—including Spanish, French, German, Chinese and more—CMLL prepares students to thrive in an increasingly interconnected world. Through innovative programs, community engagement initiatives, and study abroad opportunities, the department empowers learners to become global citizens.
For more details about MSU’s College of Arts and Sciences or the Department of Classical and Modern Languages and Literatures, visit www.cas.msstate.edu or www.cmll.msstate.edu.
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