What is The Language Flagship?

The Language Flagship is one of the nation’s most advanced and comprehensive language education programs. Through Flagship, college students are given the opportunity to achieve professional-level language ability in one of several key languages such as Chinese, Arabic, and Swahili, while pursuing another major. Flagship students receive rigorous language instruction domestically and overseas to maximize their language learning experience. As a result, challenging languages are mastered by English-speakers in four to five years. We encourage all highly-motivated students interested in learning a less-commonly studied language to apply as it is a chance to prepare you for an exciting life and important career, using foreign language skills in a globalized world.

How is The Language Flagship different from other university language programs?

Bold, intensive, adventurous, useful—these are some of the words our graduates have used to describe The Language Flagship.

Our program is unique because it offers:

• Intensive language and culture instruction, including group training and individual tutoring, in a U.S. university setting
• Advanced language and long- term cultural immersion overseas where students directly enroll in foreign universities
• Language immersion internships through our public-private partnership with international organizations and corporations
• The opportunity to attain professional-level language proficiency alongside a non-language academic major of students’ choosing Undergraduate Flagship programs are designed so that Flagship students can take their language classes alongside their core- and major-related classes.

Ultimately, language becomes a critical part of your education because you learn it in the context of your other academic interests. Although most undergraduate Flagship programs are designed as four-year programs, some offer a fifth year option while others even offer “pre-Flagship” classes to jump-start students on the Flagship path.    

Is the Language Flagship right for me? 

The Language Flagship is right for you if:

You never studied a language before.

All Flagship programs have pathways for students with no prior language study. While some of our students come with some language ability, many others find the challenge of starting from scratch rewarding, as Flagship provides opportunities such as pre-collegiate enrollment, intensive summer sessions, as well as one-on-one and group tutoring to help them succeed.

You studied a non-Flagship language (e.g., Spanish, German, French, etc.).

If you already know what it takes to learn a new language, then you are a great candidate for Flagship. There is a lot of research showing that people who have already learned a second language pick up additional languages more quickly.

You studied a Flagship language in school.

Our program advisors are happy to work with students who have ability in the language they are interested in studying. You will be tested when you start, and we will find the right courses to help you build on your skills.

You grew up speaking the language you would like to study but are not fluent.

Our program advisors are happy to work with students who have ability in the language they are interested in studying. You will be tested when you start, and we will find the right courses to help you build on your skills.