Summer Intensive Program

The KU Language Training Center has been offering intensive language courses to members of the U.S. military every summer since 2014. All courses are taught by advanced or native speakers of the target language who are regular instructors at KU during the academic year. Students who complete a three-week course (80 instructional hours) will earn 6 undergraduate language credits from the University of Kansas.

The program focuses on increased linguistic proficiency and a deeper understanding of the culture(s) of the people sharing the target language. Courses explore the attitudes and beliefs of language communities through analysis of authentic materials in both a historical and comparative framework. Student progress is measured through project-based learning that culminates in a presentation at the end of the course.

Students entering the program below the ACTFL Advanced level (ILR 2) are expected to improve by one sublevel over the course of the program. This objective is measured through pre- and post-testing using the Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer (OPIc). Students with incoming scores of Advanced or above are expected to maintain that level, although there are some students who do show measurable improvement on the post-test.

The exact configuration and timing of courses will be negotiated with partners. Units interested in courses in any languages that are offered at KU are asked to contact the LTC for additional details.

Summer 2024 Courses

The courses below have concluded preliminary enrollments and will be offered this summer. Additional enrollments will be considered based upon current language proficiency scores and enrollment caps. The KU LTC also has capacity to teach enhancement courses in Korean and beginning courses in Ukrainian for Russian speakers.

Units interested in enrolling in KU LTC summer courses are asked to contact us at ltc@ku.edu.

June 10-28

July 8-26

Frequently Asked Questions

• Are there any costs associated with taking KU LTC language courses?

All KU tuition, course fees, and textbooks are covered by the KU LTC grant. Any other materials needed for the course, including a laptop for online activities, are the responsibility of the student.

The KU LTC grant does not cover travel, lodging, or any other expenses related to attending the program.

• What documentation will I need to establish my language ability?

The application for summer LTC program requests information on past DLPT and/or Oral Proficiency Interview scores. If you have not taken either exam, you may be asked to take an online placement exam and to speak to the course instructor prior to being accepted into the program.

• Where will I stay if I am studying in-person at the University of Kansas?

The decision on where personnel are to stay is made by the unit sending them. Past groups have stayed at the Oread Hotel just off campus and the Towne Place Suites in the heart of downtown. Both offer reduced government rates. In summer 2023 the Oread was $149 per night and TownePlace Suites was $98 per night.

• What is the dress code for LTC courses?

While you will be representing the military while on campus, this is a civilian educational opportunity and you are free to wear appropriate civilian clothing for summer weather. All classroom buildings are air-conditioned.

• Am I actually a KU student?

Yes, you will be enrolled in official KU classes and will have all the rights and privileges associated with that status, including access to the Ambler Student Recreation Fitness Center and the resources of the KU Libraries. You can order a personal copy of your KU transcript or have one sent to another institution through the Office of the University Registrar.

• What is there to do in Lawrence?

On Campus

• The Spencer Museum of Art is a vibrant cultural center that sparks curiosity, inspires creativity and creates connections among people through art.
• The Lied Center of Kansas presents a series of diverse, world-class artists 
• The Dole Institute of Politics promotes political and civic participation as well as civil discourse in a bipartisan and balanced manner.
• Allen Fieldhouse is the home to the 2022 NCAA champion Jayhawks and the original, handwritten rules of basketball from James Naismith himself.

Off Campus

• Explore Lawrence and its wealth of shopping and dining options.
• Kansas City (KS and MO) is just a short drive from Lawrence and is a hub for jazz, barbecue, and several craft breweries.
• The Kansas City Royals and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum are a clear must for baseball fans.
• Children's Mercy Park is the home to the Major League Soccer's Sporting Kansas City
• The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art is a world class museum with a broad and evolving collection.
• The National WW1 Museum and Memorial is the country's leading institution dedicated to remembering and understanding the Great War.