Language Institute

Languages at UW-Madison

The University of Wisconsin-Madison is a national powerhouse when it comes to language education and research. The university regularly offers instruction in over 60 languages over the course of the year, including 45+ languages that are regularly taught during the academic year and an additional 20+ languages that are taught in the summer through the Wisconsin Intensive Summer Language Institutes and in L&S departments.

The study of languages is a key component of the Wisconsin Experience, preparing UW-Madison students to become outstanding leaders who are engaged locally, nationally, and globally. In fact, UW-Madison has more undergraduates who major in a language other than English than any other university in the United States, when first and second majors are taken into account.

Our dedicated faculty in UW-Madison departments of languages, literatures, linguistics and cultures, and affiliated with the university’s centers for international and area studies, are world-renowned scholars with research expertise that spans the globe.

Language Institute Mission

The Language Institute strengthens the University of Wisconsin-Madison as a leader in language education and research by promoting excellence in language teaching, innovation in the design of effective language programs, student success in reaching their professional and personal language learning goals, research in second language acquisition (SLA), and increased awareness of the value of language and intercultural learning for all. In each of these areas, we strive to foster productive collaboration across campus and beyond, exemplifying the Wisconsin Idea.