Languages matter for your future!
Take advantage of the exceptional language learning opportunities at the university.
“What can I do with my language skills?”
Check out our Language Careers Guide to learn how you can incorporate language skills into careers across industries!
Language Alumni Profiles
Learn about the many ways that languages have impacted the professional and personal lives of UW–Madison alumni.
Discover Language
Why study a language?
Language study is for everyone! No matter your major, learning languages can expand your understanding of the world and help you excel at whatever you choose to do in it.
What languages can I learn at UW–Madison?
Choose from over 60 languages taught during the academic year and summer. Explore the exceptional opportunities!
Interested in learning more?
Complete our language interest form to receive more information about programs and opportunities to learn specific languages at UW–Madison.
Welcome (Back) to UW-Madison!
Language on Campus
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Language Alumni Voices
“Every moment of linguistic confusion, of thinking carefully before you start talking, of embarrassing yourself only to come out humbler and wiser, of acknowledging the nuances that color human experience in different hues, of venturing curiously into something unknown, and of going along for the metaphoric ride and making the most out of it is a spectacularly useful exercise in navigating all sorts of professional and life situations.”
Being a life long language learner helped me work in [refugee resettlement], helped me speak to be understood and helped me understand and navigate miscommunications, which arose frequently. I didn’t get that job as a direct consequence of my language skills, but it demonstrated to my employer my cultural humility, willingness and interest in cross-cultural work, and my appreciation for the challenges faced by refugees (of which language learning is a major one!).
I did not think that my language abilities would open up so many opportunities and avenues as an artist. I’ve been able to use Black Arts to connect to the global Mandarin-speaking community. My study of the language opened up an avenue for me to better learn Cantonese once I ended up living in Hong Kong!
Regardless of whether your main focus is language or not, speaking a second or third language fluently will improve your career prospects and open your life to a cultural richness that is often overlooked by people who are monolingual. Seek experiences outside of the classroom and don’t get tunnel vision – maybe you have a fairly certain plan for yourself academically and professionally, but there is so much out there to explore and you may discover other areas of interest.
My language classes were smaller than big lecture hall classes which allowed us to get to know each other better and have fun learning the material. My language professors were some of the best professors I had at UW-Madison. They were passionate about the course topic and wanted us all to succeed and learn. Language classes were very interactive and usually involved discussion, group projects, and papers. We would learn about past historical events, but also discuss current events and how they all intertwined.
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.
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. If you talk to him in his language, that goes to his heart.”