Academic Program

What is a typical day like in CLS?

Classes run from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m., Monday through Thursday, and from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Fridays. Students and faculty share lunch (11:30 a.m. to 12:45 p.m.) and dinner (5:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m.) at the language tables in the dining commons. Time outside of class is spent doing homework (4-5 hours per day), studying in the language lab or library, meeting for individualized tutorial sessions, or attending weekly movie nights or cultural events.

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Is there a language pledge?

All participants are expected to speak the target language during academic hours, 8:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. However, students who really want to take immersion seriously can sign up for our "Dawn 'til Dusk" language challenge. Join other distinguished students in a commitment to maximizing your language practice and learning! Pledges and photos of students accepting the challenge are posted on classroom doors and throughout academic buildings.

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Are there placement exams?

No previous knowledge of Arabic, Chinese, Japanese, or Russian is required at the beginning levels. Appropriate prior instruction or consent of the instructor will determine placement at intermediate and advanced levels. Applicants intending to study at the intermediate and advanced levels may be interviewed by the appropriate language coordinator to ensure proper placement in the summer program.

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Are scholarships available for the summer intensive language programs?

The Center for Language Studies offers guaranteed summer language program scholarships to all qualified applicants who are accepted by April 25, 2008. This scholarship is not guaranteed to applicants who apply after April 25, 2008.

For more detailed information on scholarships funded by other sources, please refer to our page on Financial Aid.

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What kind of financial aid is available for the summer intensive language programs?

CLS students are eligible for financial aid in the form of federal loans through the Stafford, Perkins, and PLUS loan programs. Private loans can be obtained through the Norwest and Excel loan programs. Undergraduate and graduate students should first speak with their home institutions with regard to funding during the summer. If your home institution is unable to assist in acquiring this type of funding, please contact the Director of Financial Aid, Jane Hessian, at Beloit College (608.363.2663 or hessianj@beloit.edu). Students are strongly encouraged to begin this process well in advance of attending the summer program. For more detailed information, please refer to our page on Financial Aid.

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How many credits are earned in the summer intensive language program?

The eight-week program earns 3.0 units of Beloit College credit, which is the equivalent of 12 semester hours worth of credit. The four-week program earns 1.5 units of Beloit College credit or 6 semester hours worth of credit.

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How do I order a transcript?

The Registrar's office will issue one official transcript free of charge to each CLS participant. During the program, students will receive forms to request an official transcript to be sent to their home institutions. Once the final grades are received and all holds have been taken off of a student's account, the Registrar will forward the transcripts. For more information on ordering transcripts, please visit the Registrar's page on frequently asked questions.

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Where do I purchase books and supplies for the program?

Textbooks for the language programs are available at Turtle Creek Bookstore, located a few blocks from campus at 444 East Grand Avenue in downtown Beloit. Turtle Creek Bookstore also carries a wide variety of books, office supplies, clothing, greeting cards, and music.

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Is there an age limit for high school students?

High school students must be 17 years of age in order to participate in the summer intensive language programs. Students who are 16 years of age might be considered for the program if they are from the Beloit area and plan to live at home throughout the duration of the program.

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