For many students, SLI is the first step toward an exciting future involving languages! The Summer Language Institute (SLI) covers the beginner level 1001-1002 courses for these foreign languages.
Learning a language through the SLI can also prepare students for other avenues in study and research such as, International Affairs, Strategic Studies, East Asian Studies and other interrelated areas.
Study abroad opportunities are also available for those who choose to continue with their target language. There are dozens of scholarships, grants, and fellowships that target critical language learners interested in studying and applying their skills abroad.
Arabic SLI is a language and culture-intensive immersion program, focusing on developing communication skills. The weekly program features daily language class sessions followed by cultural experiences. Language class sessions utilize oral practices through pair-work, role playing, singing songs, listening comprehension practices through the textbook and language lab. In addition to the language instructor, there are tutors available to assist students outside the classroom.
"This program was very eye opening about the language and culture behind it."
Chinese SLI started in 2008. It is a language and culture-intensive immersion program, focusing on developing communication skills. The daily schedule includes class sessions, language lab hours, and cultural activities. Class sessions during the day focus on acquiring language skills through a variety of activities in the classroom, language lab, and other school facilities such as the dining hall and the bookstore. The evening sessions focus on review, written assignments, and individual practices. In addition to the language instructor, there are tutors available to assist students outside the classroom.
"The amount of support from the tutors and instructor made me feel like I could always ask a question."
Japanese newest addition to SLI, having its start in summer 2018. Japanese SLI is a language and culture-intensive immersion program, focusing on developing communication skills. The weekly program features daily language class sessions followed by cultural experiences. Language class sessions utilize oral practices through pair-work, singing songs, listening comprehension practices through the textbook and language lab. In addition to the language instructor, there are two tutors to assist students outside the classroom.
"I felt like I did well because of the way the classes were structured, we were immersed in the language all day long."
Korean SLI is a language and culture-intense immersion program, focusing on developing communication skills. The weekly program features daily language class sessions followed by cultural experiences. Language class sessions utilize oral practices through pair-work, singing songs, listening comprehension practices through the textbook CD, K-POP and authentic video skits. Between classes, mandatory lab hours are given to review materials learned in a previous class session and prepare for a quiz under the supervision of a Korean teaching assistant. After daily sessions, a Korean resident tutor is available to help an individual student’s language practice based on their individual needs.
"We covered a lot of new material every day. It took some time to adjust to the workload but the time management and study skills I gained from SLI will really help me as I start taking classes in the fall."
Russian SLI is a language and culture-intensive immersion program, focusing on developing communication skills. The weekly program features daily language class sessions followed by cultural experiences. Language class sessions utilize oral practices through pair-work, singing songs, listening comprehension practices through the textbook and language lab. In addition to the language instructor, there are two tutors to assist students outside the classroom.
"This summer I studied abroad with the friends that I started learning language with in SLI last year. I likely would not have been able to study abroad if I had not started studying a language with SLI."