The Core
Language Competency Requirement
Students in the College are required to possess understanding of more than one culture and to demonstrate competence in a language other than English. The diverse, multilingual, international student body at UChicago can satisfy the Language Competency Requirement in a variety of ways, among them language study, study abroad, and proficiency testing. But completing the requirement is just the beginning. Language learning and language proficiency represent functional, real-world skills that broaden and deepen all student learning at the University. These skills not only enhance engagement and performance across all disciplines, they also promise heightened opportunities as students pursue academic and professional careers beyond campus.
Quick Links
Language Study Resources
- The Summer Language Institute (SLI) at the University of Chicago
- Foreign Language Acquisition Grants (FLAGs)
- Domestic intensive language programs
- Foreign Language Acquisition Grants (FLAGs)
- Faculty-led programs – some fulfill the Civilization requirement
- Intensive Language programs
- Direct Enrollment programs, where you live the life of a student at a university abroad
Earn these certificates in multiple foreign languages taught in the College by passing the Practical or Advanced Language Proficiency Assessment. Language proficiency tells you and others what you can do with language in the real world, how your language ability meets real-life objectives, not a textbook or syllabus, and how your language ability can serve you in your professional or academic career.
Summer Language Study
Starting a new language? Eager to gain high proficiency in a language you know? Studying a language in the Summer can accelerate your learning, making it possible to skip over courses or course sequences when the academic year begins.
UChicago College students are deeply engaged in activities that require the use of foreign languages and that connect them with individuals and cultures on or beyond our campus. Global Honors provides students with a way to assemble all of these many-faceted experiences and be recognized for exceptional global engagement. Learn more here.
UChicago’s Study Abroad office has a wide range of programs, and many of them will help you advance and enhance your language skills.
The CLC promotes language study and increases the visibility of our language offerings, helping students navigate and go beyond the university’s language requirements.