Events
World Languages and Literature events
The Department of World Languages and Literatures is a dynamic, diverse, and community-engaged academic unit. There’s always something going on. Here’s where you’ll find information on upcoming events, as well as news about what our students, alumni, and faculty are up to.
World Literature Student Conference
SFU's largest undergraduate conference!
The 10th annual WLSC will take place in Ballroom of the Student Union Building (SFU – Burnaby) from 4-630PM on April 08th 2026. Free catered gala to follow from 6:30-9pm.
Register for free to secure a space (and ensure we have enough food for all).
For the 2026 WLSC, this year's student team excitedly annouce the upcoming conference theme:
Mercurial: Art in the Time of Subversion
The messenger of the ancient gods, MERCURY, was envisioned as a figure of communication and boundaries, movement across thresholds — it is from his to and fro that hope is born. Human experience is no less fleeting. Just as a moment of charged emotion can give way to a flurry of unexpected thoughts and feelings, art is itself ever-changing, shape-shifting, mercurial. If art has been used throughout history to rework human minds into new ways of thinking, such is cultural production in a time of subversion—a silvery thread tying each artistic gesture to the next while tugging us into an unknowable, but perhaps imaginable, future.
We look forward to seeing you all there!
Summer camps 2026
Partnering with SFU Camps for the first time in Summer 2026, join SFU’s Department of World Languages and Literature in four new camp offerings for children!
Chinese Language and Culture Discovery
7-9 years old | 10-12 years old
Dive into a week of language, culture, and fun at our Chinese Language Summer Camp! Kids explore beginner Mandarin through games and role play, then jump into hands-on cultural activities like dumpling making, Kung Fu, calligraphy, and traditional Chinese games. With sports, crafts, and a final showcase to celebrate their new skills, this immersive camp builds confidence, curiosity, and a love for learning. No prior Chinese language experience needed!
7-9 years old camp
July 6 - 10
8:30AM - 3:30PM
10-12 years old camp
July 20 - 24
8:30AM - 3:30PM
Spanish Language and Culture Discovery
7-9 years old | 10-12 years old
The Spanish Language Summer Camp is a playful, immersive one-week program for children to explore the Spanish language through songs, art, and games. Each morning focuses on language learning through movement, music, and stories, while afternoons are dedicated to hands-on cultural projects inspired by Hispanic traditions—making piñatas, learning dances, and playing traditional games like Doña Blanca, Los quemados, and rayuela. Throughout the week, campers work in teams to build and decorate colorful piñatas, culminating on Friday in the joyful Fiesta Hispana, where families are invited to see their children perform and celebrate as the piñatas are broken. No prior Spanish language experience required.
7-9 years old camp
July 13 - 17
8:30AM - 3:30PM
10-12 years old camp
July 20 - 24
8:30AM - 3:30PM
Japanese Language and Culture Discovery
7-9 years old | 10-12 years old
At our Japanese Language and Culture Camp, campers will start each day learning basic Japanese, including greetings, self-introductions, classroom phrases, and the first set of Hiragana letters. Afternoons are packed with playful cultural activities—from singing a traditional children’s greeting song and creating origami name tags, to playing the Hiragana card game and joining in energetic games like Don Jankenpon. Campers will also enjoy watching popular Japanese animations to see Japanese language and culture in action. This immersive camp makes language learning fun while introducing kids to Japanese traditions, creativity, and play! No prior Japanese language experience required!
7-9 years old camp
July 27 - 31
8:30AM - 3:30PM
10-12 years old camp
July 13 - 17
8:30AM - 3:30PM
Forest Stories
9 - 12 years old
Inspired by children’s books from around the world, create your own forest story. Combining nature walking, storytelling, and book making, this camp will guide campers in writing and illustrating their own unique forest story. At the end of the week, campers will take home a book they made themselves as a keepsake. Physical activities and outdoor time such as hiking are included.
Note: Campers need to have daily functional proficiency in English to attend.
9-12 years old camp
July 6 - 10 | July 27 - 31
8:30AM - 3:30PM
Past events
