Summer Language Institute — Summer Session

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Summer Language Institute – Video Transcript

Video duration: approximately 57 seconds

The video highlights the University of Virginia's Summer Language Institute (SLI), featuring students participating in intensive language classes, collaborative learning, and cultural activities.

Students are shown practicing languages in classrooms, interacting with instructors and classmates, and participating in group activities.

On-screen text: "Up to two years of language study. In just eight weeks."

Students participate in classroom conversations and interactive language exercises.

On-screen text: "Find your community. In any language."

The video features cultural experiences, including a visit to an art museum, activities involving Chinese calligraphy and crafts, and a visit to UVA Special Collections.

On-screen text: "And outside the classroom? We brought every language to life."

The video concludes with the University of Virginia Summer Session branding and the Summer Language Institute program information.

Closing text:

Summer Language Institute

Arabic · Chinese · French · German · Italian · Latin · Portuguese · Russian · Spanish

"Learn the language. Live the culture."

summer.virginia.edu/summer-language-institute

Explore the Summer Language Institute at UVA through highlights of intensive language learning, cultural experiences, and student activities both inside and outside the classroom.

Video Credit: Photography by SLI staff and student intern, Lilliana Brinegar. | AI-assisted video production.

Explore Our Summer 2027 Language Programs

The Summer Language Institute (SLI) offers rapid language acquisition programs with four- or eight-week courses in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.

Whether you are preparing to study abroad, conduct graduate research, pursue an international career, or explore a new language and culture, the SLI welcomes you this summer! This unique program in the U.S. allows students to complete up to two years of language study in just 8 weeks.

Summer 2027 dates:

June 14 - August 6: 8-week program - Full Program
June 14 - July 10: 4-week program - First Half
July 12 - August 6: 4-week program - Second Half

Registration Dates

December 1, 2026: Application Open
March 31st, 2027: Application Deadline

Language Proficiency Certification

Know Your Language Proficiency infographic showing a 3-step process: learn through coursework, assess via OPIc or Avant tests, and earn a certificate.

“Know Your Language Proficiency” illustrates the Summer Language Institute’s three-step proficiency process. Green arrows connect three steps: 1. Learn: Complete up to 12 credits of university-level language instruction in a near-immersive learning environment. 2. Assess: Measure proficiency through standardized testing: OPIc (Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer), a speaking assessment for Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish; or Avant Reading, a reading assessment for Latin. 3. Certificate: Receive an ACTFL/Avant proficiency certificate that can be added to a résumé, LinkedIn profile, college application, graduate school application, or study abroad application. ACTFL stands for American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

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“OPIc and Avant – ACTFL Scale” comparing two standardized language proficiency assessments. OPIc – Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer: Measures speaking proficiency in Chinese, Arabic, French, German, Italian, Russian, and Spanish. Test takers receive proficiency levels based on their ability to produce and understand a language. Scores reflect their ability to communicate in the language tested and align with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. Avant 1-Skill Reading: Measures reading proficiency in Latin using STAMP benchmarks. Test takers receive a numerical benchmark score. Scores are grouped into three major levels: Novice, Intermediate, and Advanced, each with three sublevels: Low, Mid, and High. These levels align with the ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines. ACTFL stands for the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages.

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