World Language FAQs
Language Study
- Dedicated team and teachers
- Small, student-centered classrooms
- Classes focus on using the language immediately
- Need-based scholarships available
- Unique classes offered
Our team is here to help you succeed! Our language instructors and staff, many of whom are native speakers, love languages as much as you do.
Classes are small, student-centered and focus on conversation and practical language. This provides individualized attention and a lot of meaningful practice. At TLC, you can connect with fellow learners in a supportive community that encourages language practice and cultural exchange.
Classes are designed so you can use the language immediately—even at beginner levels—to prepare for real-life situations. We also have need-based scholarships for group language classes to help with the cost of enrollment fees. We offer unique classes, such as Japanese for Youth, Spanish and Arabic for Educators classes, and a French immersion experience in Louisiana.
Developing fluency in a language is a life-long journey. Get more information about proficiency targets and fluency.
Of course not! TLC offers:
- Group classes for adults and teens aged 16 and older.
- Japanese classes for youth ages 11-15.
- Custom classes for students ages six and above.
Our language students come from very different backgrounds in terms of age, nationality, profession and motivations.
Enrollment Process
- Check for the next registration period.
- If it has been more than two weeks since the start of the term, wait until the next time registration opens.
- Email us at worldlanguages@tennessee.edu to let us know you’re interested in taking classes. We will contact you when registration opens and answer any questions you have.
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If registration is open, browse our catalog. If you are not sure which level to choose, email us at worldlanguages@tennessee.edu, and we will set up a placement call for you.
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Choose your class and follow the purchasing instructions. You will receive an automatic confirmation of your purchase. Closer to the start date of the class, you’ll receive a status update and a welcome from your instructor.
We offer everyone an early bird discount for registering at least two weeks before the start of the term. Find out about other discounts we offer. Discount codes are used at checkout when purchasing your course. You can only use one discount at a time.
Full-time employees of the State of Tennessee, and those with paychecks issued by the Tennessee Board of Regents and the University of Tennessee, qualify to use a fee waiver at Tennessee’s public institutions of higher education for one class per semester or term. We are among the institutions that accept fee waivers.
- Enroll in a world language group class using the appropriate fee waiver form for University of Tennessee, Board of Regents or other state employees.
- K-12 teachers cannot receive state fee waivers, but they can apply for a 15% discount.
No, our classes are not certificate programs eligible for FAFSA, federal financial aid or visa sponsorships.
Students must be 16 or older to enroll in regular group language classes at TLC. We have a Japanese youth program for students aged 11-15. Email worldlanguages@tennessee.edu to ask about the specific language your child is interested in. We may be able to help.
Our class schedule is available once registration opens. We encourage you to sign up as soon as possible during the enrollment period. We offer four nine-week terms a year. View our class calendar for current and upcoming terms.
For each enrollment period, we offer an early-bird registration discount. Enrollment remains open until the end of the second week of class. After that, you will need to wait until the following nine-week term for a group language class.
If the course you’re seeking is full or has already started, email our team at worldlanguages@tennessee.edu for assistance.
You can find descriptions of each level in our class catalog after registration opens each term. If you’re still unsure, email worldlanguages@tennessee.edu, and we’ll put you in touch with an instructor to schedule a brief, complimentary placement call.
If you start a class and realize the level of the class doesn’t feel right, let your teacher and/or us know. We will arrange for you to explore another level. We want you to be appropriately challenged and enjoy your class in the most optimal learning environment.
We don’t offer trial classes or sit-ins, but we periodically organize free sample lessons. These events are scheduled between terms. You can email worldlanguages@tennessee.edu to find out when the next sample lesson will be held. We can also answer questions about our classes, and we offer a complimentary placement Zoom call with an instructor.
We require at least four tuition-paying students per group course.
Of course! We have worked with numerous companies and teams to offer language courses to students at a similar proficiency level. Email worldlanguages@tennessee.edu, and we will create a corporate class that meets your needs.
Class Details
We hire the best language instructors through a rigorous hiring process. Candidates must submit a lesson plan and deliver a demo lesson. Instructors are observed by world language teaching experts who offer feedback and assist in class preparation.
We continue to train our teaching team, and they receive professional development opportunities at least four times a year to ensure a high-quality class experience for our students.
No, our world language offerings are non-credit classes. Our courses are not accredited.
This can vary depending on the language, level and instructor’s preferences. On average, you should expect to spend at least two to three hours outside of class each week completing homework or reviewing class content. Each course description includes an expectations/time commitment section to provide you with more detailed information on what to expect.
Typically, students have access for 14 days after the last date of class.
Online classes are held on Zoom.
We offer in-person classes at the following locations. Not all classes are offered at every location. Please check the course schedule to confirm locations.
Tennessee Language Center
193 Polk Avenue, Suite D
Nashville TN 37210
Montgomery County Extension Office
1030 Cumberland Heights Road, Ste. A
Clarksville, TN 37040
UT/TSU Agricultural Extension Office at the Agricenter
7777 Walnut Grove Road, Building B
Memphis, TN
UT Law Enforcement Innovation Center
1201 Oak Ridge Turnpike, Suite 101
Oak Ridge, TN 37830
Courses happen in real-time but from your preferred location. Students and the teacher keep their cameras on to create a fun, supportive learning community, just like an in-person setting.
Our students want to use the language in practical situations like work, family, travel, missions and hobbies. We focus on conversation and speaking the language. Online classes offer opportunities to connect with your teacher and fellow classmates. You can expect to work in pairs, small groups and have group discussions.
Before taking your first class, please download the free version of Zoom software, where our online group classes are hosted. After installation, your classroom will automatically launch when you click the classroom link provided by your instructor. Make sure your device meets the tech requirements for using Zoom. To ensure everything works smoothly, we suggest testing the software before your first class.
Missing a class is acceptable, as long as students are able to complete homework assignments. Teachers also conduct a review each week, which is helpful for those who missed class.
TLC does not record online or in-person classes. It’s important for students to be active participants to acquire the language. We work with adult professionals, and while we strongly encourage class participation each week, we understand that life gets in the way sometimes. We use a program called Matrix where teachers post class materials, and it allows students to catch up on their own time.
We will notify you of any changes to your group course class schedule. Generally, if a class is canceled by the instructor, we add an extra makeup session at the end of the term on the same day and time the class usually meets.
Refunds, Transfers and Billing
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 student withdrawals if the class starts within five business days or for missed classes during the term.
For questions about group class refund policies, please email worldlanguages@tennessee.edu.
If you’re in the incorrect level for a world languages group class, we’ll get you into the right one! Talk to your instructor or email worldlanguages@tennessee.edu.