Language Proficiency Policy

For programs where courses are taught in the host country language:  Students are required to have two or more years of college study or equivalent proficiency demonstrated by two semester courses at the 200 level, or one semester course at an advanced 200 level or 300 level.

Students interested in Geneva, Hamburg or Paris should review the program-specific requirements and exceptions  in the Smith Programs Abroad Language Requirements section below.

For programs with English-language curriculum: One year of college study of the host country language (or equivalent proficiency demonstrated by one semester course at an advanced 100 (intermediate) level or higher). Exception: 1 year or intensive summer equivalent of Italian is strongly recommended, but not required, for ICCS in Rome.

Students are required to have one year of college study or equivalent proficiency demonstrated by one semester course at an advanced 100 (intermediate) level or higher. 

One year of college study of the host country language (or equivalent proficiency demonstrated by one semester course at an advanced 100 (intermediate) level or higher.) Exception: 1 year or intensive summer equivalent of Italian is strongly recommended, but not required, for ICCS in Rome.

Students normally take 4 four credit courses, including FRN250 (or higher) in the spring prior to study in Paris. Those who enter Smith at the FRN 230 level or above are required to take three semesters of French prior to study in Paris, including FRN250 (or higher) in the semester prior to study in Paris. Students beginning with FRN 101 and 103 (Accelerated Beginning French I and II) must take three 4-credit French courses in their sophomore year, including the 250 level course (or higher). Applicants to the Les Sciences à Paris track may apply with only one year of college-level French or equivalent.

For the spring semester, students must have at least three semesters of college-level German or the equivalent prior to the start of the program. 

For admission to Track A and/or Track C, at least one semester of college-level French or equivalent is required prior to the start of the Spring semester program; ability to communicate in elementary French is expected. No French is required for these tracks during the Fall semester. Students with one year or the equivalent of college-level French are eligible to Track B (spring). Students applying for the full year in Track B are required to have two years of college-level French or the equivalent.

While a fully year of either Hebrew or Arabic is recommended, students may attend without language prerequisites.

Students may attend without language prerequisites but must study Chinese during the entire time at HKUST.

Students may attend without language prerequisites.

Students may attend with  three semesters of French, students study French for Natural Sciences and Elementary Malagasy.