The four-week language and cultural immersion programs stand out among the John Belk International Program’s offerings.  These programs give students a chance to increase their language skills, gain insights into a socio-cultural perspective different from their own and “breathe in” the culture on a daily basis.  

All of the language schools place students according to their individual language background, keep class-sizes to a minimum, provide intensive grammar review and emphasize oral proficiency.  In addition, these schools organize cultural activities suited to the students’ interests: lectures, museum visits and excursions to regional attractions.

Another integral component of these programs is the “home-stay.”  Each student resides and eats many meals with a local family.  This allows an insight into the local culture that is invaluable to the students who are able to see for themselves the attitudes, values and interests of their host family and interact with them. 

Of course students also have plenty of free time to explore the area, travel throughout the region or relax. 

Students choosing this option from the John Belk International Program’s offerings will receive 6 credit-hours for their participation in the classes and activities offered by the school.  An additional 3-credit hours may be earned by those students who undertake the “Interactive Cultural Exploration” (FREN 400 or SPAN 400) Independent Study course during their stay.

Queens students regularly study French in Nice, France while our Spanish students opt for either Nerja, Spain or Costa Rica.  Students interested in other languages or sites should contact the Belk Office or check the website for Lingua Services Worldwide to see what other possibilities might exist for them.