Programs and Resources

Language Resource Center

The Language Resource Center is located in the Center for Information Technology, on the second floor. The LRC houses language study materials in many different media (including video tapes, DVDs, audio tapes, software programs, etc.) and maintains equipment for their use. The LRC also provides resources and support to language faculty for the development of instructional materials and technologies. For further information, consult the LRC web site (http://www.brown.edu/Departments/LRC/).

Language Partners Program

The Language Partners Program pairs native English-speaking students studying a foreign language with students who are native speakers of that language and who desire to improve their English. The partners help each other in practicing and developing their respective second language capabilities, dividing their time together equally between the two languages. The Center for Language Studies assists learners in finding a match with other individuals, but once the partners have been identified they themselves decide on their own activities and scheduling arrangements. Partners do not have to be at the same proficiency levels in their second languages. Interested members of the Brown community should contact Jill Stewart at the Center for Language Studies (863-3043; Jill_Stewart@brown.edu).

Language Placement Tests

Students who intend to continue study of a foreign language and have not submitted an SAT achievement test score or an Advanced Placement score in that language are required to take a placement test during orientation week or the first week of classes. This applies to languages studied formally as well as those acquired informally, such as through extended stay abroad or through use in the family.

Please refer to the schedule for dates, times, and locations of the placement tests for all the languages taught at Brown.

Study Abroad

Through study abroad, many students choose to enhance their knowledge of a foreign language or to learn a new language not taught at Brown. In recent semesters, Brown undergraduates have received credit for such languages as: Afrikaans, Amharic, Catalan, Danish, Dutch, Gaelic, Hungarian, Indonesian, Nepali, Polish, Quechua, Setswana, Shona, Swahili, Tagalog, Thai, Tibetan, Twi, Vietnamese, Welsh, Wolof, Yoruba, and Zulu. To study a language abroad for which instruction is available at Brown, students must demonstrate competency prior to enrolling elsewhere.

The Office of International Programs (OIP) in Rhode Island Hall coordinates study abroad by Brown students. The University sponsors programs in: Brazil, Denmark, Egypt, Ethiopia, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Mexico, People's Republic of China, Poland, Sweden, Tanzania, the United Kingdom, and the West Indies. Brown maintains offices associated with its programs in Paris and Bologna, and in London, Brown shares an office with Cornell University and the University of Pennsylvania.

OIP maintains a list of programs administered by other institutions that have been approved for study abroad, including at least three programs in each global region. In addition, Brown students may petition the OIP to study abroad on other programs, provided their plan meets the criteria in the foreign study guidelines. Under certain circumstances, credit may be awarded for summer language study abroad. Students considering this option should consult with the OIP. Their staff can also advise interested individuals on work opportunities abroad.

For more information, contact the OIP:

Office of International Programs
Rhode Island Hall
Box 1973
Brown University
Providence, RI 02912
Tel.: (401) 863-3555
Fax: (401) 863-3311