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Looking to learn a new language or brush up on your foreign language conversation skills? Thunderbird's Intensive Language Program provides training to students, alumni and to the general public.


Intensive Foreign Language

Take a program for two weeks or up to eight weeks. Programs consist of four modules of two weeks each. Each module builds on the previous one. Participants may begin with any module according to the results of a placement interview administered by LTI at www.languagetesting.com

The intensive learning experience offers:

  • 30 hours of instruction per week from world-class Thunderbird language faculty
  • Small class sizes of 10 - 12 students, enabling instructors to focus on individual student's needs
  • Essentials about the culture and business of the region

Instruction emphasizes conversation and practical applications, primarily with increasing proficiency in business vocabulary, reading and writing.

Languages

Mandarin-Chinese and Spanish will be offered. Contact Debbie Kimball in the Garvin Center for Language and Culture at deborah.kimball@thunderbird.edu or (602) 978-7269 for more information on other language programs.

Instruction

Classes meet Monday through Friday from 9:00AM – 4:00PM. There are some evening and/or weekend activities such as movies and group meals. The class requires two to three hours of homework each day.

Placement

An ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) through Language Testing International (LTI) www.languagetesting.com is required to determine placement if you have had prior experience in the language you are registered. No test is required for beginners.

Tuition and Fees

Tuition is $1,800 per 2-week module and includes 30 hours of instruction per week, tutoring, some social activities, required textbooks and materials, Internet-based class page with readings and exercises.

A non-fundable deposit of $600 is due with the application in order to reserve a seat. The deposit is applied toward tuition. In the event the class is cancelled the deposit will be refunded.

Final Exam

A passing score on the final exam is required in each module before participants may advance to the next module.

Please contact Debbie Kimball at deborah.kimball@thunderbird.edu or 602 978-7269 if you have any questions.