Languages
Explore different cultures and ways of thinking as you learn to communicate in a new language. Gain skills for conversation, travel or business with continuing education courses designed to fit your schedule.
We offer high-level language and cultural instruction to adult learners (ages 18 and over) in online and in-person courses taught by leading language experts from UW–Madison and across the region.
French
French is spoken on five continents and opens a world of travel and international business. We offer the region’s most comprehensive continuing education French language program, featuring four levels, pronunciation courses and occasional advanced conversation courses on literature and culture.
German
Half of Wisconsin residents have German ancestry, so why not reconnect with the past? Our German program features three levels, with occasional cultural courses.
Italian
The Italian language gives you access to Italy’s rich history and one of the top European economies. Our program features three levels.
Portuguese
Portuguese is the official language in nine countries and one of the top five languages for doing business globally. Our program includes two levels; courses are offered twice a year.
Reading & Translation Courses
Dive into the nuts and bolts of how to read in your target language and translate accurately to English so that you can confidently conduct academic research or read for pleasure in French, German, Italian or Spanish.
Spanish
Spanish is one of the most spoken languages in the world. We offer the region’s most comprehensive continuing education Spanish language program, featuring multiple levels of language instruction, from Spanish 0 (for the true beginner) to advanced conversation courses, along with pronunciation, writing, literature and culture classes. Custom courses are also available.
Featured training programs
Business Spanish Certificate Program
In 4 months, greatly improve your professional proficiency in Spanish and gain the cultural knowledge you need to conduct business with partners in Spain and Latin America.
Language Reading Knowledge Exam
These translation exams test reading knowledge of French, German, Italian or Spanish and meet the requirements of UW–Madison graduate programs.
Personalized Spanish
Do you need Spanish training tailored to your schedule and needs? We can offer you the flexibility and professionalism you need to succeed.
Upcoming languages classes
- Spanish Writing: Brush Up the Basics
- Spanish Writing: Brush Up the Past Tenses
- Personalized Spanish Course
- Basics of French Pronunciation
- Spanish 2
- Spanish 1
- Spanish 0
- Spanish for Reading and Translation: Comprehensive
- Italian 1
- French 1
- Language Reading Knowledge Exam
- German 3
- Spanish for Reading and Translation: Basic
- Italian for Reading and Translation
- German for Reading and Translation
- French for Reading and Translation
- German 1
- Spanish 4
- Spanish 5
- French 2
The value of our Continuing Studies language program at UW Madison
Find out why our online Language program is one of the best in the country!
Language resources
- Take a Spanish placement test to discover the right level for you
- Take the You Know More French Than You Think You Do quiz
From the blog
Dahl describes what makes her award-winning Spanish courses effective for adult learners. Two of her students share their language learning experience and the impact it’s made.
You can learn a language online — here’s how!
Study a language online with UW–Madison Continuing Studies language programs. We promise it will be exactly the same as in-person learning, only completely different.
Students make progress, stay connected in online continuing education classes
Online classes helped two students meet their personal and professional development goals.
Our team
Meet our dedicated team of lifelong learning professionals, passionate about empowering individuals on their educational journeys. Whether you’re seeking skill enhancement, career advancement, or personal enrichment, our team ensures you receive the support and inspiration you need to thrive in an ever-evolving world. Contact us at [email protected]
Julie Dahl
Executive Program Development Manager
Sage Goellner
Associate professor of French and continuing education
Christopher Moore
Learning Experience Coordinator
Erin Paul
Program Development Specialist
Silvana Benzoni
Spanish Instructor
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