French

French SLI 2026 - In Person

From conjugating verbs to reading Proust and cooking ratatouille, the Summer Language Institute in French is both intense and intensely rewarding.

If you need to: 

     Fulfill your language requirement! 

If you need to:

     Pass your proficiency exam!

Or, perhaps, if you just want to:

     Prepare for your adventure in Life!

Then…

     French is spoken here!

The Department of French at the University of Virginia is pleased to offer its Summer Language Institute.

It is a unique learning experience that allows students to complete both the beginning and intermediate levels of French instruction—12 credits—in just eight weeks. This is equivalent to two years of coursework, covering FREN 1016, 1026, 2016, and 2026, all within one summer! 

In the summer of 2026, students can choose from the full 8-week program (12 credits - Intensive Elementary and Intermediate French 1016-2026), or opt for one of the two halves: the first half (6 credits - Intensive Introductory French 1016-1026) or the second half (6 credits - Intensive Intermediate French 2016-2026). Students can select the option that best fits their schedule, proficiency level, and learning goals. This program creates a supportive peer environment, enabling students to quickly develop French language skills.

Pedagogy and Philosophy

The French SLI is an immersive 4 or 8-week learning journey into the French language and cultures!

In this course, you’ll practice speaking, listening, reading, and writing in dynamic and supportive ways—always with room for play, reflection, and creativity.

Each unit invites you to dive into real-world themes, create projects with your classmates, and take part in “missions” that build your communication skills. Grammar and vocabulary are introduced in context, reinforced through spiral learning, and practiced through integrated oral and written activities.

Emphasis is placed on working in teams, developing communication strategies, and building learner autonomy.

By the end of the course, you will be able to connect with others in French and see the world a little differently.

What students say about French SLI:

"I enjoyed the class. It was not easy, but it was a gratifying challenge. I learned more in just a few weeks than I have in years of other classes." 

"SLI is a strong and very efficient language acquisition program that I would strongly recommend to everyone."

"The strength of the program is the professors. They were incredible."

Required Textbook: 

• First Half - June 14 - July 10
  • L’Atelier+ A1 — Livre ($52.80): https://www.uvabookstores.com/adoption-search-results?ccid=200493&itemid=743912
  • L’Atelier+ A1 — Cahier ($30.40): https://www.uvabookstores.com/adoption-search-results?ccid=200493&itemid=743915
• Second Half - July 13 - August 7
  • L’Atelier+ A2 — Livre ($52.80): https://www.uvabookstores.com/adoption-search-results?ccid=200719&itemid=743921
  • L’Atelier+ A2 — Cahier ($30.40): https://www.uvabookstores.com/adoption-search-results?ccid=200719&itemid=743918
• Full program - June 14 - August 7- L'Atelier A1 and L'Atelier A2 - Livre and Cahier

Daily Schedule: 

The program meets five days a week for eight weeks. Attendance is mandatory for all daily sessions.

Morning 9:30-12:00 - Monday through Friday

Afternoon 1:00-4:00 - Monday through Thursday; no Friday afternoon class.

Check all the available options before applying. 

Students are strongly encouraged to register for the full 8-week program and complete the intermediate level. The option to apply for the first or second half is also available. The table below provides information on the available options

2026 Costs

All students in SLI programs (including the non-credit option) must pay:

• • Institute Fee - non-refundable: $60
  • Comprehensive Fee - non-refundable: $493 (In-State) - $553 (Out-of-State)
  • Tuition: Depends on the number of credits for which the student is enrolled. Check tuition costs below the SLI Program Fee, and contact us at vera.abbate@virginia.edu with any questions.

This is not a residential program. For information on housing and meal plans, please refer to the following resources:

• • For housing costs, see Summer Session Housing.
  • For meal plan options, see Dining.

Contact Information: 

Department of French Language and Literature