In Spring 2006, the CIEE Community Language Commitment will be introduced at a number of CIEE Study Centers. This Language Commitment was developed to ensure that upper-level language students speak the host language while on site, allowing for a more complete immersion experience. All CIEE Study Center programs with an eligibility requirement of 4 or more semesters of language have the upper-level commitment, while students on all other programs are encouraged to speak the host language.
Upper-Level Commitment
On all CIEE Study Center programs with a pre-requisite of 4 or more semesters of language study students are asked to take part in the CIEE Community Language Commitment. By signing an agreement during orientation, students indicate their intention to speak only the target language to all people at all times (except in cases of dire emergency). Students, thus immersed in the host country language, not only speak the target language but come to think in it as well. The Language Commitment fosters a program environment and learning community that encourages language and cultural acquisition, thereby improving proficiency and understanding of both the language and society.
All Other Programs
At all other program sites where a language other than English is spoken, and the language pre-requisite is fewer than 4 semesters, students will be encouraged to use the host language. As students gain proficiency in the target language, resident staff will encourage students to use their language skills in everyday settings. Students, thus immersed in the host country language, not only speak the target language, but come to think in it as well. The more students participate in this immersion, the more they together foster a program environment and learning community that encourages language and cultural acquisition, thereby improving proficiency and understanding of both the language and society.