Improving your language skills
Whether you’re studying in another language and want to build up your confidence and academic vocabulary, or will be taught in English but want to learn the basics, there are many ways you can improve your language skills before studying abroad.
Discovery modules
You may be able to study a language as a discovery module. The Languages for All programme offers a wide range of 10 and 20 credit discovery modules in a variety of languages. These are coded "FLTU" in the module catalogue.
40 credits should equip you to cope well with everyday communication abroad. If you have queries, email the Languages for All team at lfa@leeds.ac.uk.
Summer schools
The Global Opportunities team offers a wide range of summer school opportunities, including language learning programmes. Find out how to apply and read more about individual summer schools.
Pre-sessional language courses
Many universities offer intensive pre-sessional language courses aimed at new international students. The costs of these can vary. Courses run over the summer and usually last between two and six weeks.
An intensive language course at your future host university (or with a private provider in your future host city) can give you time to familiarise yourself with the city, look for accommodation (if you need to) and maybe meet other exchange students who'll be at the university.
The Language Zone
The Language Zone is free and open to all students at Leeds. Just bring along your student ID to borrow items. Find the language Zone on the second floor of the Parkinson Building. It has a computer cluster for personal study and books, magazines, audio and video resources to help you learn a range of languages.
Global Café
Meet international students in Common Ground in Leeds University Union from 5.30pm to 7.30pm every Monday. Global Café is a great way to practice your language skills in an informal setting while enjoying free tea, coffee and biscuits.
Private language courses
An internet search will bring up companies offering private language tuition, at varying price points. Leeds Beckett University offers evening classes in different languages over the academic year for a reasonable fee. For Spanish, there's also the Instituto Cervantes on Woodhouse Lane, and Alliance Francaise for French.
If you must fulfil language requirements to go abroad, see the language requirements page.