Thunderbird Welcome Wall

Why not do a little traveling while you satisfy Thunderbird's second-language proficiency requirement?

Find out more about our summer language abroad programs!  ►

Summer Language Abroad Programs  

Looking to fully immerse yourself in Mandarin Chinese or Spanish? Thunderbird's summer language abroad programs pair two weeks of intensive language courses on our Glendale, Arizona campus with six weeks of immersive language and culture experiences in the heart of the countries where these languages of modern global business are spoken.

Mandarin Chinese - Xi'an, China | Spanish - Buenos Aires, Argentina | French - Nice, France

These unique programs offer:

  • Eight concentrated weeks of intensive, immersive language instruction (approximately 30 hours/week)
  • Instruction by Thunderbird's world-class language faculty
  • Small class sizes of 10-12 students, allowing for personalized attention and instruction
  • Lessons in the culture and business nuances of the country in which the student will study

Open to current and incoming students, as well as non-degree students and executive participants, these programs are popular and fill quickly! Register early to be considered for placement*. DEADLINE: March 30.

Request more information! ►

SUMMER LANGUAGE PROGRAM OPTIONS

Summer Language Program - Xi'an, ChinaMandarin Chinese Language Abroad - Xi'an, China

June 11 - June 22, 2012 (Thunderbird Campus | Glendale, Arizona)
June 25 - August 3, 2012 (Xi'an, China)

  • Attend lectures/presentations by guest speakers on Chinese culture, history and society, and participate in activities such as Tai Chi and Chinese calligraphy
  • Meet with native Chinese speakers (Chinese university students) to practice your language skills
  • Participate in cultural, historical and archaeological tours in Xi'an, one of China's most facinating cities rich in over 3,000 years of history
  • Visit such sites as the Terra-Cotta Warriors and Soldiers Museum, Big Wild Goose Pagoda (Dayanta), Shaanxi History Museum, Xi'an City Wall (Chengqiang) and Muslim Quarters

Summer Language Program - Buenos Aires, Argentina Spanish Language Abroad - Buenos Aires, Argentina

June 11 - June 22, 2012 (Thunderbird Campus | Glendale, Arizona)
June 25 - August 3, 2012 (Buenos Aires, Argentina)

  • Attend lectures/presentations by guest speakers on real-world aspects of Argentinean business
  • Accompany a native speaker into the community to observe and practice your language skills
  • Live with a Buenos Aires family to receive real-life, immersive language experience
  • Participate in cultural, historical and archaeological tours in Córdoba, Mendoza and Buenos Aires

French Language Abroad - Nice, France French Language Abroad - Nice, France

June 11 - June 22, 2012 (Thunderbird Campus | Glendale, Arizona)
June 25 - August 3, 2012 (Nice, France)

  • Guided visits with Alliance Française students to The Old Town of Nice (Le Vieux Nice), Medieval Eze Village and Monaco 
  • Guided visits with a Thunderbird Professor to L'Hôtel de Ville (Nice City Hall) and La Chambre de Commerce et d'Industrie de Nice (Nice Chamber of Commerce)
  • Live with a French family to receive a real-life, immersive language experience (optional)

For additional details about Thunderbird's Summer Language Abroad Programs, call +1 602 978-7100 or 800 457-6966 (U.S. only), or e-mail SummerLanguage@thunderbird.edu.

Request more information! ►

*Students with prior experience in the language they choose to study are required to take an ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview (OPI) through Language Testing International (LTI) to determine placement. No test is required of beginners.