Welcome

Welcome to the University of Arizona Language Training Center

A renowned resource for second language acquisition and culture studies

      The University of Arizona is internationally renowned for research in teaching second language acquisition along with globally aware language and culture studies. The University has a long history of partnering with the US government for language training, and for housing multiple DLNSEO-funded and other centers and programs that support language and culture training for various types of learners. The Language Training Centers Program is an initiative sponsored by the Defense Language and National Security Education Office and administered by the Institute of International Education. All DLNSEO-funded courses and materials are free to military and selected US government civilian linguists.

      Participants in our intensive language courses improve their language proficiency and advance their understanding of the target culture via outcomes-based courses. LTC courses are offered in multiple modalities, including face-to-face, virtual, and hybrid sessions. Tailored to units’ and learners’ needs, SLTE courses primarily offer 160 hours of training in critical languages from all over the globe at levels ranging from ILR 1 to 4.

      The LTC also offers yearlong Language Maintenance courses designed to sustain and strengthen proficiency between intensive training opportunities. Supporting learners at ILR levels 2 and 3, these courses combine flexible, asynchronous coursework with dedicated instructor support and required quarterly virtual meetings. Participants dedicate approximately two hours per week to structured activities using authentic reading and listening materials, vocabulary development, and oral and written responses. Instructor feedback and pre- and post-course assessments support continued development and help learners monitor their progress. Through consistent engagement with language and culture, the program helps prevent proficiency decline, establish effective study habits, and prepare personnel for future SLTE courses and operational language requirements.

      In partnership with the University of Arizona’s Center for English as a Second Language (CESL), the LTC also supports personnel by providing high-quality foreign language pedagogical training. Personnel who complete our Foreign Language Teacher Training courses are well equipped to serve as certified Language Instructors, with a solid understanding of best practices for training and supporting lower-proficiency personnel engaged in language study.

SLTE Language

Dates

Modalities

(in-person/hybrid/online)

Level

Enrollment Status

Arabic (MSA)

Feb 8 - Mar 9 2027

Apr 15 - May 14 2027

TBD

In Person (UofA)

2-3

2/2/2

Enrolling

7 Availible

Chinese (M)Jan 6 - Feb 4 2027TBD2-3Enrolling
KoreanFeb 8 - Mar 9 2027In Person (UofA)2/2/27 Availible
Russian

Oct 19 - Nov 13 2026

Mar 15 - Apr 13 2027

In Person (Davis Monthan)

TBD

sub-pro

2-3

4 Availible

Enrolling

Spanish

Oct 15 - Nov 13 2026

Apr 15 - May 14 2027

TBD

TBD

2-3

2-3

Enrolling

Enrolling

Farsi

Jan 6 - Feb 4 2027

Mar 15 - Apr 13 2027

TBD

TBD

2-3

2-3

Enrolling

Enrolling

ESL 

(English as a Second Language)

Mar 15 - Apr 13 2027TBD2-3Enrolling

 

 

GOALS FOR LEVELS

  • Refresher: ILR 1 to 2 
  • Intermediate: ILR 2 to 2+ 
  • Advanced: ILR 2+ to 3 
  • Superior: ILR 3+ and above
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silhouettes of military soldiers walking