World Language Classes
Learn a New Language
Whether you’re learning for work, travel, personal growth or connection, you’ve come to the right place.
We’ve helped thousands of individuals learn real-world language skills from expert instructors who are native or near-native speakers.
You won’t just memorize vocabulary. You’ll use the language in small, interactive classes designed to build confidence, fluency and cultural understanding.
Join a group class, or sign up for custom classes.
Languages Offered
Arabic
ASL
Chinese (Mandarin)
French
German
Italian
Japanese
Korean
Portugese
Russian
Spanish
Meet Your Instructors
Meet instructors for all languages.
Sign Up
Explore our class catalog and register.
TLC offers affordable, small group classes in many popular world languages.
- Nine-week courses
- Two hours per week
- Beginner to advanced levels
- Four terms per year (winter, spring, summer, fall)
- Ages 16 and up
- Taught in-person and online
Levels
Group classes are aligned to proficiency targets based on guidelines recommended by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL) and the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR).
Read more about language proficiency targets.
Registration
Register for a class by creating an account on our student portal, Matrix. Course information and materials will be posted here as well.
Cost
Fees for classes vary by language, level and format (online versus in-person). Most cost between $325–$355. Check our course catalog for specific fee information during registration periods.
Discounts & Scholarships
We offer a number of discounts and a partial scholarship. Check to see if you qualify.
Schedule & Refund Policy
Spring 2026
- March 2: Registration opens, class schedule is available
- March 30: Last day for early registration discount
- Week of April 13: Term begins
- May 25: no classes held this day
- Week of June 8: term ends (June 15 for Monday classes)
Summer 2026
- June 1: Registration opens, class schedule is available
- June 22: Last day for early registration discount
- Week of July 6: Term begins
- Week of August 31: term ends
Fall 2026
- August 24: Registration opens, class schedule is available
- September 14: Last day for early registration discount
- Week of September 28: Term begins
- November 23-28: no classes held this week
- Week of November 30: term ends
Spring 2027
- November 20, 2026: Registration opens, class schedule is available
- January 4: Last day for early registration discount
- Week of January 18: Term begins
- January 18: no classes held this day
- Week of March 15: term ends (March 22 for Monday classes)
If TLC cancels a group language class, and we cannot accommodate you with another class option, your entire payment will be refunded. Credit card transactions will be credited to the original card used. All refunds take between five to seven business days to process.
If you withdraw from class at least five business days before the start date of the class, you have these options:
- Receive a full refund minus a $25 administrative fee, or
- Transfer the balance to another student to take a class during the same term.
No refunds will be issued for withdrawals within five business days of the class start date, or for missed classes during the term. Please contact the world language department with questions: worldlanguages@tennessee.edu.
TLC offers custom language classes designed around your needs, schedule, location and goals. Custom classes offer maximum flexibility. You choose the frequency and format that works for you. Classes can be held at TLC’s Nashville office, another local venue or entirely online.
Custom classes are ideal for:
- Friends or family learning together.
- Travellers preparing for an upcoming trip.
- Professionals seeking a new skill.
- Organizations training staff to serve diverse communities.
- Teams needing industry-specific vocabulary and communication skills.
TLC works with you to assess your goals and build a course tailored to your interests, including vocabulary relevant to your career or mission. Whether you’re starting from scratch or building on existing knowledge, our expert instructors create an engaging, effective path to language learning.
Cost
Custom classes are sold in 10-hour or 20-hour packages. Classes are capped at three students.
10-Hour Package:
- One Student: $650
- Two Students: $850, or $425 each
- Three Students: $1,050, or $350 each
20-Hour Package:
- One Student: $1,250
- Two Students: $1,600, or $800 each
- Three Students: $1,800, or $600 each
Get Started
Contact us to sign up for custom classes or to get more information.
- (615) 741-7579
- worldlanguages@tennessee.edu
Custom Class Policies
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Students are required to make schedule changes or cancellations at least 24 hours before the session. If 24-hour notification is not given, an hour will be subtracted from the chosen package, and the instructor will report an hour of their time. Schedule changes and cancellation requests must be made via email to your instructor.
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Custom classes are not eligible for any discounts.