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The Intensive Language Instruction Program (ILIP)—formerly known as the Intensive Foreign Language Instruction Program, or IFLIP—will be back Summer 2024. 

ILIP is a unique educational experience designed to accelerate language learning through an immersive classroom atmosphere that is fun and welcoming. ILIP classes combine language and culture through engaging high-quality activities facilitated by our skilled instructors.

Students will receive 30-hours of enjoyable in-person language instruction, which maximizes exposure to the target language to help them meet their own personal learning goals.

• Open to members of the university community and to the general public
• Classes meet Monday through Friday, except holidays
• Courses focus on conversational skills, travel preparation, and language survival skills
• There is minimal homework, no attendance policy, and no academic credit
• Participants will receive a confirmation email once registration is complete and payment has been received
• Classroom and instructor information will be sent shortly before classes begin

K-12 educators: Illinois K-12 educators are now eligible to receive up to 30 hours of ISBE Professional Development Hours (PDH) through ILIP.

Dates 

May 13-24, 2024

Course schedule

Arabic: Beginner (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Chinese: Beginner (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Chinese: Intermediate (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
French: Beginner (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
German: Beginner (5:00 pm - 8:00 pm)
Italian: Beginner (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Korean: Beginner (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Latin: Beginner (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Modern Greek: Beginner (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Polish: Beginner (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)    
Spanish: Beginner (9:00 am –12:00 pm)
Spanish: Intermediate (1:00 pm – 4:00 pm)
Spanish: Advanced (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Swahili: Beginner (5:00 pm – 8:00 pm)
Ukrainian: Beginner (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)
Wolof: Beginner (9:00 am – 12:00 pm)

Levels of instruction

• Beginner: For participants with very little or no prior experience with the language; you will learn how to handle basic communicative tasks such as introducing yourself, asking and answering simple questions, etc.
• Intermediate: For participants who have some knowledge of the language, are able to express some basic information (greetings, introductions, likes and dislikes, work, daily routine, etc.), and would like to increase their ability to converse informally in the language
• Advanced: For participants who are able to communicate with ease about familiar topics related to their daily life, and who would like to improve their fluency and confidence to handle both informal and formal exchanges on a variety of topics

Registration costs

• K-12 teachers: $150
• UIUC students & spouses: $150
• UIUC faculty, staff & retirees: $175
• General public: $200

Note: Payment must be made at time of registration.

Registration fee will be refunded in full if course is cancelled. A $25 late cancellation fee will be deducted if cancelled after May 6th. There will be no refund if cancellation takes place after May 13th.

Contact information

For more information, contact slcl@illinois.edu.

What do past students have to say about ILIP (IFLIP)?

"I enrolled in an ILIP course to advance my conversational Spanish and I’m so glad I did! The classroom time was invaluable in advancing my understanding of the language. The instruction was incredibly approachable with a friendly and excellent instructor. And the time allowed to practice writing and speaking the language helped me surpass my personal goals. Whether you’re wanting to learn the basics of a language or polish your existing language skills, ILIP is a fantastic option. I would definitely enroll in another ILIP session." - Abby A.

"I have taken ILIP (IFLIP) classes in advanced French, beginning and intermediate Spanish, and beginning Italian, and had a very enjoyable experience every time. The teachers create such a good environment for both individual learning and camaraderie among those sharing the struggle to learn a new language or deepening their understanding of a beloved familiar one. ILIP (IFLIP) is a wonderful service of the language departments at the U of I, enriching in every way. Our community is very lucky to have it. J'aime ILIP (IFLIP). Me encanta ILIP (IFLIP). Mi piace ILIP (IFLIP)." - Fran B.

"ILIP (IFLIP) is a great program. I took the elementary Spanish class in January and went to Spain in April. I couldn't have prepared better for the trip. I could ask when the 'C4' bus would arrive and then understand what time they told me. Unless you know the language, ILIP (IFLIP) should be a primer to every trip!" - Tony W.

"ILIP (IFLIP) is a great opportunity to study a language at minimal cost. I took beginning and intermediate Italian, and the courses were a great help when I got a Fulbright fellowship to Italy. I took beginning Chinese, which helped me in China, and more recently, I’ve taken beginning, intermediate, and advanced Spanish, and I am looking forward to trips to Spanish-speaking countries. Now I am able to continue building my Spanish vocabulary by reading dozens of Spanish detective stories from the wonderful University of Illinois library. But in addition to the general benefits of language learning, there are two other major benefits of ILIP (IFLIP) courses. One is the chance to get to know people of all ages and occupations from the university and the community. The other is the chance to appreciate the enthusiasm of the instructors, which helps me keep going in this, my 53rd year of teaching at the university." - Peter M.