Language Programs

Interested in learning a language abroad?

From programs entirely taught in English to fully immersive experiences, there are a wide variety of opportunities for language learning. Students should consider their language learning goals and choose programs carefully with those in mind. There are often involvements and activities they can do to work on their fluency, such as picking a homestay, doing a language buddy program, or taking classes taught in the local language.

Foreign Language Policy

All Denison students studying in a non-English speaking country during a semester will be required to take a language course, if offered by the program or partner university, in the official language of the host country. For example, if you choose to study in Denmark then you will need to take Danish 101 (or the appropriate level for you)!

Studying the local language is a great opportunity for students to further connect with the place they're studying and gain the skills to thrive while off-campus.

This requirement is waived for students with a documented language disability accommodation on file in Denison's Academic Resource Center (ARC).

Immersive Language Programs

You'll take a language course on most of the programs we approve, but if you're interested in more intensive study then we also approve a number of language immersion programs. On these programs, students speak the local language in class, their housing placement, internship site, and more. It is a unique opportunity to take a deep dive into the language and use it extensively throughout your time away.

Knowing how immersive a program is important in setting expectations, but it also comes into play when considering the financial policy for a full year abroad. Students may apply all awarded financial aid [merit and need-based aid] for one semester to the cost of the off-campus study program, except work-study. If student's pursue a second semester of off-campus study, merit and need-based aid will be applied if they are a language major or minor participating in a language intensive program.

Denison language majors and minors include French, Spanish, and German.

List of Language Immersion Programs

German

Heidelberg American Junior Year (AJY)

JYM at University of Munich

French

IFE Field Study & Internship (Marseille, Paris, or Strasbourg)

CIEE Liberal Arts in Paris

IES Nantes - French Immersion & Area Studies

Spanish

CIEE Liberal Arts in Seville

CIEE Liberal Arts in Santiago (Chile or DR)

IES Madrid Language & Area Studies

IFE Asturias Field Study and Internship

There are a few programs that are not always immersive, but have offerings/options for students to make it a more immersive experience. Please reach out or schedule an appointment with Dr. Johnson Fowler if you'd like to discuss any of the following programs as a potential option:

BGSU Salzburg
UMN Language & Culture in Southern France
IES Salamanca Language & Area Studies
CGEE Liberal Arts, Migration, and Social Change in Mexico
UMN Study and Intern in Toledo

For students who take Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Portuguese courses at Denison, we do have opportunities for students to improve those language skills in regions where the languages are spoken. We are happy to chat with you about opportunities to improve your language skills while abroad! However, please note that as these languages aren't offered as majors or minors at Denison, these programs would not be eligible for the exemption to the financial policy.

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