DISCOVER LANGUAGE
Why Study a Language at UW-Madison?
Language study is for students in all academic disciplines to expand their horizons and worldviews, connect with communities at home and across the globe, and develop essential career readiness skills.
Languages Taught at UW-Madison
UW-Madison offers over 60 languages during the academic year and summer. In the summer, languages are taught through the Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes and in departments in the College of Letters & Science.
More Information
Complete our language interest form to receive more information about programs and opportunities for specific languages.
LANGUAGE ON CAMPUS
- May
- May 29
- June
- June 10
- June 25
- July
- July 10
The study of languages, literatures, and cultures is a key component of the Wisconsin Experience, preparing UW-Madison students to become outstanding leaders who are engaged locally, nationally, and globally.
LANGUAGE AND YOUR CAREER
STATEMENT ON DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
Learning languages offers opportunities for making deep human and cultural connections that are beyond our own immediate experiences. For some, language learning is a window into a new culture and a way of life; for others, it’s a means to explore their personal or family heritage. Regardless, learning languages demands ongoing reflection and a willingness to engage both with difference and with aspects of our shared humanity.
The University of Wisconsin-Madison Language Institute believes in the inherent value of all languages and language varieties, and is dedicated to ensuring equitable access to language learning opportunities that strengthen and enhance each person’s academic, professional, and personal goals.
The Language Institute recognizes the existence of structural barriers that can negatively affect the ability of individuals and groups to reach their full potential. In addition to our commitment to promoting equitable access to language learning and to Language Institute programming, we remain vigilant in fostering an inclusive campus climate that values the many ways that each person’s language(s), lived experiences, and individual and social identities contribute to and enrich our shared mission.
"If you talk to a man in a language he understands, that goes to his head.
Nelson Mandela
If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart."