Languages available for Beginner-Level Virtual Language Learning: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), Hindi, Korean, Russian, Turkish
Language Level Goal: Novice Low.
This program is designed for true beginners, so no prior language-learning experience is necessary.
Cost: Please refer to the FAQ for details on what the scholarship covers.
Duration: 10 weeks
Dates: Fall 2024 (Sept – Nov) or Winter 2025 (Jan – March). See the Application + Timeline web page for details.
Eligibility: Please check the eligibility requirements on the Eligibility + Participation Requirements tab.
Schedule Options:
- Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time
- Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 PM Eastern Time
- Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time and Saturdays: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern Time
- Thursdays and Sundays: 7:30 – 9:00 PM Eastern Time
Program Components:
- Interactive instruction from an experienced language teacher via Zoom and Canvas
- Conversation practice
- Homework, quizzes, and language assessments
- Skits, roleplays, video entries, and projects
- Cultural and language learning opportunities, featuring guests such as:
- Experts on traditional arts and cuisine
- NSLI-Y study abroad alumni
- government or private sector employees who use language and cultural skills in their careers
- Peers or professionals from countries where the target language is spoken
- Virtual tours of sites of historic or cultural significance like museums or markets
- Videos related to cultural learning or grammatical concepts in the target language
- Optional community-building activities like game nights, icebreakers, and supplementary information sessions
Time Commitment:
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- At least 30 hours of formal, live instruction
- 3 hours of pre-program preparation before the first session (student orientation, pre-program assignments/surveys, and a test session)
- Up to 3 hours of assignments or homework per week outside of language classes
- Optional meetings for student community-building and cultural opportunities may be offered outside of regular class times
Sessions are 90 minutes each, twice per week and attendance is required.
Questions? Please contact [email protected]