Study: Bilingual children can filter out distracting noise 
Bilingual children's ability to speak two languages can help them filter out distracting noise, according to a recent study conducted at a U.K. primary school. The study tested 40 children, half of them bilingual, and found that those who spoke two languages could more easily answer questions about a passage when the speaker was interrupted by another voice, introduced as a distraction. BBC (10/13)

Global competence key focus of this year's ACTFL annual conference 
Global competence and its role in understanding foreign languages and cultures is the key focus at this year's ACTFL conference in November. The conference will also cover the growth of Chinese language classes, dual language immersion programs and technology's role in foreign language instruction. District Administration magazine online(10/13)

Is social media changing how students study abroad? 
The rise of social media and technologies such as Skype has led to students being less immersed in their host culture when they study abroad, according to this article. Among other things, the technology keeps students focused on their lives at home and enables them to bypass certain interactions in their host country's language. Vermont Public Radio (10/13)