Program Dates: June 16 – August 8, 2025
Class Schedule: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. (CDT), with an hour break at 11:00
Format: Virtual classes (synchronous online)
Languages Offered: Swahili (intermediate-advanced); Yoruba (intermediate-advanced)
NOTE: The intermediate-advanced Swahili course has been canceled for Summer 2025.
Apply now. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through April and May.
Why Study Swahili or Yoruba with WISLI?
- Intensive Language Training for All. Whether you’re an undergraduate, graduate student, or adult learner, our courses build real-world communication skills for academic, professional, and personal life. Learning goals align with ACTFL Proficiency Guidelines.
- Accelerated Learning. The 8-week program is equivalent to two semesters of language study. Intermediate students earn eight college credits, and advanced students earn six. All students receive two transcript letter grades to transfer their home institution.
- Accessible & Flexible. Virtual summer courses are ideal for those whose home institution does not offer Swahili or Yoruba or those who cannot fit language into their schedule during the academic year.
- Small Classes, Big Impact. WISLI employs effective teaching strategies and student-centered practices. Intermediate and advanced students explore a range of topics through tasks and projects tailored to their individual levels.
- Beyond the Classroom. Enhance your experience with cultural workshops and professional development events like the WISLI Student Conference and the LCTL Career Fair—designed to build intercultural understanding and expand your network.
Cost and Funding
The maximum cost of tuition for the full 8-week program is $5,000—and it may be lower for current UW–Madison students and residents of Wisconsin or Minnesota.
Foreign Language & Area Studies (FLAS) Fellowships
A FLAS award covers $5,000 of WISLI tuition and includes a $3,500 living stipend to study Swahili and Yoruba. Eligible applicants include undergraduate and graduate students nationwide who are U.S. citizens or permanent residents. Apply now for the “2025 African Studies Summer FLAS Application – Supplemental” competition. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis. Please contact awards@iris.wisc.edu with questions.
WISLI Tuition Scholarships
A WISLI Tuition Scholarship covers 50% of your tuition to study Swahili or Yoruba and may be combined with other awards. This supplemental competition is open to all prospective students, including adult learners and international students. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. Please direct questions to wisli@lpo.wisc.edu.
Tips for Finding Funding
1) Explore your home institution’s scholarship database and connect with your financial aid office. 2) Ask advisors or mentors about funding within your department, college, or graduate school. 3) Don’t overlook grants that support research, summer sessions, or professional development—they likely can cover language study too!
Program Policies
- All admitted students must formally acknowledge and agree to adhere to WISLI’s Remote Programming Guidelines.
- One day of class is the equivalent of one week during the academic year, so absences for reasons other than illness are excused only in exceptional circumstances. No classes will be held on July 4.
- Participants must complete the two consecutive 4-week sessions and pass the first semester to continue to the second.
Learn More
For more information about WISLI, please visit our program overview page.
Contact a WISLI Program Advisor with questions wisli@lpo.wisc.edu.