Languages available for Beginner-Level Virtual Language Learning: Arabic, Chinese (Mandarin), 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:
1. Mondays and Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time
2. Tuesdays and Thursdays: 7:00 – 8:30 PM Eastern Time
3. Wednesdays: 6:30 – 8:00 PM Eastern Time and Saturdays: 10:30 AM – 12:00 PM Eastern Time
4. 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:
৹ Experts on traditional arts and cuisine
৹ NSLI-Y study abroad alumni
৹ Government or private sector employees who use language and cultural skills in their careers
৹ 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:
• 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]