Bridges: Children, Languages, World (Bridges Language Program)
330 N Eagleson Ave, Bloomington, IN 47405
About
Bridges: Children, Languages, World (Bridges Language Program) offers exploratory language and culture classes where children learn through games, stories, free play, crafts, and puppet shows. Teachers use a communicative method that introduces new vocabulary through these activities. The program includes instruction in languages not typically offered in public schools, such as Arabic, Chinese, Dari, Hausa, Kyrgyz, Mongolian, Persian, Russian, Swahili, Zulu, and more.
• Price: Classes are free and are open to the general public.
Bridges language programs are taught by Indiana University students who are studying Less Commonly Taught Languages, in partnership with faculty from IU’s Department of Literacy, Culture and Language Education at the School of Education. The program’s mission is to offer exploratory language and culture classes to young learners in the greater Bloomington, Indiana, area and to ignite children’s interest in languages and cultures so they will be inspired to study both with excitement and enthusiasm all their lives. The award-winning Bridges program is led by Hilary Kahn, Director of the Center for the Study of Global Change, and is described by the Global Center as an example of its innovative and collaborative community programming. Classes are offered around Bloomington at the public library, daycare centers, elementary schools, and neighborhood learning centers. One parent testimonial notes that their children “have learned so much and are proud to show-off each week what they have learned” and that “the instructors have been kind and patient with all learning abilities.”
Last updated May 14, 2026.
• Price: Classes are free and are open to the general public.
Bridges language programs are taught by Indiana University students who are studying Less Commonly Taught Languages, in partnership with faculty from IU’s Department of Literacy, Culture and Language Education at the School of Education. The program’s mission is to offer exploratory language and culture classes to young learners in the greater Bloomington, Indiana, area and to ignite children’s interest in languages and cultures so they will be inspired to study both with excitement and enthusiasm all their lives. The award-winning Bridges program is led by Hilary Kahn, Director of the Center for the Study of Global Change, and is described by the Global Center as an example of its innovative and collaborative community programming. Classes are offered around Bloomington at the public library, daycare centers, elementary schools, and neighborhood learning centers. One parent testimonial notes that their children “have learned so much and are proud to show-off each week what they have learned” and that “the instructors have been kind and patient with all learning abilities.”
Last updated May 14, 2026.
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