The Global Engagement
and Language Learning Center

at Northern Arizona University

The Global Engagement and Language Learning (GELL) Center is here to provide a space for NAU students to find guidance and resources in their study of global languages and cultures in order to promote student success beyond the classroom. We seek to empower and motivate students with diverse learning styles and needs through support in successful learning strategies, activities for independent language study, and opportunities for authentic intercultural communication. For more information, see our full mission statement.

GELL Center Activities and Services

See here for our regular open-access hours, which will start in Week 2 of the semester. Note that in the case of an NAU Flagstaff Mountain campus closure (for example, due to snow), the GELL Center will also be closed.

Practice your target language in a relaxed, low-stakes setting! Join small conversation groups led by Conversation Facilitators (CFs) -- NAU student peers (including and especially international students) -- for friendly chats on a variety of topics. Languages for the Spring 2024 semester will once again include Chinese, German, French, Italian, Japanese, and Spanish!
(Sign up for sessions here starting in Week 4.)

Every semester, you have access to tons of events, workshops, and presentations related to language and culture through the GELL Center and other related organizations. Browse the Calendar of Events for times and locations, and to see more detailed descriptions and past events, check out our specific events pages linked on that same page! 

Students have access to a variety of both digital and physical language-learning media for all languages taught at NAU, including films, audio CDs, books, magazines, comics, and board games accessible through check-out in the GELL Center in BAA 107 and on a limited basis in the Language Lounge in BAA 115. Donations gratefully accepted. 

The learner training specialist (or “language coach”) will help you get familiar with strategies and resources for you to become a better language learner. You will have the chance to talk to the specialist about your own learning experience and study preferences so that you can come up with various ways of boosting your learning according to your particular needs.
(Language coaching available dependent on staffing in any given semester; check here for current schedule.)

International Teletandem groups are scheduled at specific times for Spanish. German and French Teletandem sessions may be able to be arranged individually with volunteers abroad, depending on schedules.
(Scheduled Teletandem sessions not currently available through the GELL Center due to staffing loss, but the Language Exchange at Culture Connection AZ does offer Spanish connections; otherwise, check with your instructor about individual session possibilities.)


Contact Information:

GELL Promotion Video.mp4