More than 2,000 foreign language students from high schools in Oregon and Washington will get a chance to see international culture at work and at play at the 20th annual Foreign Language and International Studies Day, Friday, May 1, on the University of Oregon campus. "We want to show high school students the wonderful variety of languages and cultures they can study at the UO," says Jeff Magoto, director of the UO's Yamada Language Center, sponsor of the event. Magoto says the celebration aims to show participants that language study is more than textbooks. "Students will not only speak dozens of languages, but also will get the chance to dance and sing in a variety of beats and cadences," he says. Salsa, the Merengue and Mexican folk songs are just a few of the music workshops planned. The day-long event also will offer numerous workshops and language immersion sessions and there will even be cooking lessons. Magoto says participants can walk away knowing how to greet someone in languages such as Arabic, Bulgarian and Thai. "They'll also get a glimpse into the rewards of international travel and will learn about career opportunities in international studies," Magoto explains. SOURCE: Jeff Magoto, director, UO Yamada Language Center, (541) 346-4319; e-mail, jmagoto@oregon.uroegon.edu -30- #T-6100/DAY