Language and Culture Studies (27-28 hours)
The Language and Culture Studies requirements allow students to gain depth in their understanding of another language and culture through advanced language studies, cultural area studies, and a semester-long study abroad program. The options for area studies and study abroad are constrained by the second language focus that students choose.
Language Requirement (6 hours)
Students take at least 6 hours of language studies at the 5th level or higher, coursework beyond the first two years of college language study. This requirement is designed to build oral and written proficiency in the second language. The possible approved languages are listed below. A complete list of approved courses in PDF format be be downloaded here.
- Arabic
- Chinese
- French
- German
- Hebrew
- Hindi
- Italian
- Japanese
- Korean
- Lingala
- Portuguese
- Russian
- Spanish
- Swahili
- Turkish
- Wolof
Area Studies (9-10 hours)
Students take courses in a broadly defined cultural area in which their second language of focus is spoken. To get a varied perspective, students must take courses from at least two different disciplines to fulfill this requirement. The approved geographic areas of study are listed below. A complete list of all approved courses in PDF format can be downloaded here.
- Africa
- East and South Asia
- Europe
- Latin America
- Middle East
- Russia and Eastern Europe
Study Abroad (12 hours)
CATHERINE C. & BRUCE A. BASTIAN STUDY ABROAD SCHOLARSHIPS
The College of LAS will be awarding approximately six Catherine C. and Bruce A. Bastian scholarships for International Studies annually. To get an application for the 2006-2007 academic year, download the PDF here.
Note: the application asks for a Financial Aid Award Letter for the semester you will be abroad. Although an award letter strengthens an application, applications will be accepted without a letter. A Statement of Financial Need is still required.
"Studying abroad in Bilbao, Spain, helped me to better understand the meanings of Basque, Spanish, and American cultures. Cultural identity is difficult to understand, but cultural understanding among peoples, particularly in a globalized world, is crucial. Studying abroad helped me to bridge the gaps amongst these identities."Andrea V., I.S. Major (2005)
International Studies majors must complete a semester-long study abroad program in the language and area of their major focus. Students can study a variety of subjects which often include language and culture courses, and up to 6 hours may be used to fulfill other requirements of the I.S. major. Students choosing to study abroad for more than one semester are allowed to apply all of their study abroad coursework toward their major after their first semester, if the I.S. academic advisor determines that it is appropriate to do so. The study abroad program must allow the students to use their second language and cultural training through coursework in the second language, living with people from the focus culture, and/or working with the local people, using the focus language. International Studies majors who have completed their study abroad program often remark on how important their immersion into the local culture was, not only for their second language skills, but also for their understanding of and participation in the focus culture.
Process to Select a Study Abroad Program
- Students research study abroad program options appropriate for their language and area studies focus. Students need to consult with an I.S. academic advisor during this stage to ensure that the program fulfills the I.S. requirement. Research should begin early, even during the first year, to gain familiarity with deadlines and scholarship opportunities.
- Majors must get their study abroad program approved by an International Studies advisor prior to submitting their application.
- Majors should have a Major Plan of Study completed prior to applying for study abroad.
- Upon acceptance into a study abroad program, majors must have their intended study abroad coursework approved by the International Studies academic advisor. The advisor will not sign off on required Course Approval paperwork until the student has completed a Major Plan of Study.
- Upon arrival at the study abroad site, students should contact their I.S. major if they are not able to take the courses that they had pre-approved and should indicate what their course options are at that time.
- Upon return to UIUC, students will not have their study abroad coursework appear on their transcript until all course approvals have been completed, UIUC has the student’s transcript from the host institution, and the grades have been translated. This process usually takes several weeks.
Special Requirements for Transfer Students
All students should be on the UIUC campus for one year prior to their semester-long study abroad program. Exceptions to this must be petitioned to Dean Rich in the LAS Student Service Office, 270 Lincoln Hall.
Campus Resources for Study Abroad Programs
Students should choose from the campus approved study abroad programs. The College of Liberal Arts and Sciences website provides information on department-based language and culture programs and the Study Abroad Office website introduces other options.
Students should also explore study abroad scholarship opportunities at: http://www.ips.uiuc.edu/scholarship/sao.shtml