A Program for Advanced Language Learners and the Study of Rarely-taught Languages
The MULTI seminar is an opportunity for independent, self-directed study of a language through asynchronous, online, performance-based learning. MULTI is ideal for students who:
- …have achieved such advanced language proficiency in the language that traditional programs no longer serve their needs;
- …are studying languages that are rarely, if ever, taught in the classroom.
Program Dates: June 15–August 7, 2026.
The Seminar
MULTI is an 8-credit, asynchronous online course facilitated by Dr. Adeola Agoke, an expert in helping language learners develop skills to teach themselves an additional language. Check out her workshop on independent language development to see how it works.
Learn More
Email multilanguage@lpo.wisc.edu or schedule an advising appointment to receive more information.
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Program Overview
The Multilanguage Seminar combines theory and practice in how people learn languages and how to teach yourself a new one. The course is led by an expert in African languages, linguistics, and second language learning. It’s designed for highly motivated undergraduate and graduate students who already possess strong skills in a less commonly taught language, or who wish to study a language that isn’t typically offered in a classroom setting. Students who are eligible to enroll in a traditional language program are not competitive candidates for MULTI.
Students will apply and test language-learning theories by using self-instructional methods to learn a new language. Learning is demonstrated through performance-based assessments guided by NCSSFL-ACTFL Can-Do Statements.
By the end of this course, students will be able to:
- Develop a personalized, performance-based study plan for learning a less commonly taught language (LCTL) using ACTFL performance descriptors and Can-Do Statements.
- Find, evaluate, and create performance-based materials for their target language.
- Train a conversation partner to support their language learning.
- Use online tools to research and share information.
- Apply meta-cognitive strategies to monitor and improve their learning, compare different approaches, and adapt to diverse language styles.
- Assess their progress using performance-based methods informed by ACTFL performance descriptors and Can-Do Statements.
This 8-week course carries eight credits, based on a total of 360 hours of work (45 hours per credit). Students will spend this time reading, writing, designing, and completing self-assessments, engaging in performance-based language activities, meeting with speakers of their target language, discussing progress with the instructor, and completing other assignments outlined in the syllabus.
Beginning and intermediate learners are expected to complete 140 contact hours with the instructor and/or language partner. Advanced learners are expected to complete 120. Each student’s Individual Study Plan (ISP) will outline how these contact hour requirements will be met.
Student Voices
“For me, my mentors have been my most valuable resource. Together we meet online for live sessions where we practice real-life conversations—at the market, at a restaurant, on the farm—and work on pronunciation and grammar. When our schedules don’t align, we stay connected through text and voice notes.
The most important thing for me is to keep activities diverse. I bring in TV shows, children’s books, social media, and cookbooks in my target language to keep learning interesting. Setting aside a little time each day has also been key to maintaining what I’ve learned.”
– Tanya, MULTI Seminar Alum
“There are very few formal, structured opportunities for studying Malagasy in the United States. When I saw that there was an option to study it through MULTI, I knew I wanted to do it.
My opera company has been invited back to Madagascar next year, so I’m working toward being able to give lectures and speak freely on many subjects in Malagasy. Living in Madagascar also led me to volunteer as a medical interpreter, so I have both personal and professional reasons for expanding my skills. Once you leave the capital, learning Malagasy is the key to thriving and opening many doors.”
– Basil C., MULTI Seminar Alum
Sponsors and Mission
The Multilanguage Seminar (MULTI) is administered by the Language Program Office at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. MULTI is sponsored and supported by the Department of African Cultural Studies, African Studies Program, and the Institute for Regional and International Studies National Resource Center (IRIS NRC).
Institutions, organizations, or individuals interested in partnering with MULTI are invited to contact multilanguage@lpo.wisc.edu.
WISLI is dedicated to training students, faculty, and professionals in Less Commonly Taught Languages (LCTLs) through its primary and secondary missions:
Primary Mission
WISLI’s primary mission is two-fold: [1] to provide high-quality instruction in less commonly taught languages (LCTLs) and [2] to prepare instructors with strong training in language pedagogy. To this end, WISLI offers intensive summer programs in over thirty languages, from elementary to advanced levels, along with pedagogy workshops on best practices and innovative teaching tools. Our small, proficiency-based classes focus on developing learners’ ability to use language confidently in real-world situations.
Secondary Mission
WISLI also seeks to expand the number of global professionals with strong language and cultural expertise who can navigate diverse cultural contexts. In addition, WISLI aims to support heritage language learners and address the multilingual needs of local communities. To advance these goals, WISLI contributes a national community of practice for LCTL instructors and learners, promotes collaboration with institutions in the U.S. and abroad, and champions LCTL study through a variety of outreach initiatives.