The University of Guam’s CHamoru Studies Program provides students with opportunities to become more proficient and understanding of the language while providing an overall knowledge of the CHamoru culture.

As a UOG student, whether you are a CHamoru or not, some students believe it would be worthwhile to make an effort to connect to Guam by displaying respect for its language and culture.

Mikayla Angoco, a sophomore biomedical major, explains why she believes it is important for students to immerse themselves in Guam’s culture. 

“If you are a student and finding ways to connect with our island’s culture and language, then you are not only representing the University of Guam, but the whole island, which I think is extremely beautiful,” Angoco shares.

Angoco understands that it is nice to represent the university by simply attending, graduating and becoming a loyal alumnus, but she thinks that more can be done to connect to UOG and the island.

“Even if a student is not CHamoru, it would be beneficial for them to have that flexibility with learning a new language that is different from their ethnic background,” she said. 

Not only would it be beneficial to be able to understand another language, but Angoco also imagines that taking a CHamoru class at UOG would make any student feel as though they are contributing to the island’s community and build personal self-esteem.

“My dad would always tell me that our ancestors had an objective for the future,” Angoco says as she reflects on her father’s words of wisdom of the island’s tradition and values. “With that, hopefully I’d be able to pass it onto the younger generations as well as holding onto my ancestor’s legacy.”

According to Angoco, Guam’s culture and language is becoming less prevalent than before, “If all students from UOG, whether or not they are CHamoru, are able to take the time and put in the effort to learn, then our island will definitely flourish.”

If looking to further look into a CHamoru language or culture class, language classes are available year-round, although respective levels of the language are offered at different semesters. There is also a CHamoru culture class available every year during the fall semester. If looking for additional CHamoru or other Micronesian courses on the UOG website or catalog, they are located under the ‘Modern Languages’ courses.