Language Intensives

Many foreign languages taught at Bard can be studied in an intensive format that offers both an accelerated pace of learning and a one- or two-month summer or winter program in the country of the language under study. Current sites for these programs are China, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Kyrgyzstan, and Mexico. The intensive format allows students to complete the equivalent of two years of language study in a few months. The immersion format, currently offered in German, is even more accelerated than the intensive format. 

Language Intensive Programs

  • Chinese Intensive
    Every year, an eight-week intensive program, based at Qingdao University, China, takes place after students have successfully completed two semesters of Beginning Chinese at Bard. 
    Learn about the Chinese Intensive
  • French Intensive
    In this semester-long course, students complete the equivalent of three semesters of college-level French in a single semester followed by a four-week stay in Tours, France. 
    Learn about the French Intensive
  • German Intensive
    Study the German language in an intensive format, combining courses at Bard College and in Bard College Berlin that enable you to complete the equivalent of two years of language studies (16 credits) within one academic year.
    Learn about the German Intensive
  • Italian Intensive
    Every spring, the Italian Program offers a beginner-level intensive language course. After which, students can spend June at the Babilonia Italian Language School in Taormina, Sicily taking classes in Italian language and culture. 
    Learn about the Italian Intensive
  • Japanese Intensive
    Every other year, Bard offers a 5-and-a-half week Summer Intensive on the campus of our partner institution in Japan, Kyoto Seika University. Students who have completed Intermediate Japanese or higher may participate.
    Learn about the Japanese Intensive
  • Russian Intensive
    Every summer, an eight-week intensive program, based at American University of Central Asia (Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan), takes place after students have successfully completed two semesters of Beginning Russian at Bard. 
    Learn about the Russian Intensive
  • Spanish Intensive
    The Intensive Spanish is designed to enable students with little or no previous knowledge of Spanish to complete three semesters of college Spanish in five months (eight credits) followed by a four credits in Oaxaca, Mexico during January Intersession.
    About the Spanish Intensive