Registration is now open for the Intensive Language Instruction Program (ILIP)—formerly known as the Intensive Foreign Language Instruction Program, or IFLIP.
ILIP is a unique educational experience designed to accelerate language learning through an immersive classroom atmosphere. Students will receive 30-hours of language instruction, maximizing exposure to their target language to help them meet their learning goals.
The program runs from May 13-24, with classes meeting Monday through Friday.
We spoke with Jude Krushnowski, director of ILIP and the Foreign Language Teacher Education program, about what students can expect from the program.
Why participate in the Intensive Language Instruction Program?
ILIP is a relaxed and enjoyable opportunity to learn a new language or improve your language skills with skilled instructors and learners that are as passionate as you are. It is the perfect way to begin a language you’ve always wanted to learn or to better communicate in a language with which you are already familiar!
What kinds of classes can students take?
Currently, ILIP offers 13 different languages (Arabic, Mandarin Chinese, French, German, Italian, Korean, Latin, Modern Greek, Polish, Spanish, Swahili, Ukrainian, and Wolof). Every language has a beginner level class, so it is the perfect way to get started even if you have zero experience with the language! For more experienced learners, this session of ILIP will offer intermediate and advanced classes for Spanish and Mandarin Chinese.
How long does the program take?
ILIP classes are offered Monday to Friday and run for two weeks from Monday, May 13th to Friday, May 24th. Each class runs for three hours a day, for a total of 30 hours of high-quality instruction.
Who can participate in ILIP?
Anyone! The program is open to all members of the Champaign-Urbana community. We offer special pricing for teachers and those affiliated with the University.
How can interested students get started?
If you are interested, the first thing you should do is check out go.illinois.edu/ilip to see the full list of languages and levels we offer. Then, register for the class that you are most excited about. We would greatly appreciate it if you can help spread the word to your friends and family!
How and why did you get involved with this?
Prior to the pandemic, I had regularly participated in ILIP (then known as IFLIP) as both an instructor and an advocate for the program’s vision of making high-quality affordable language instruction available to the community. However, the pandemic caused many university initiatives to come to a halt, and sadly this was the case for ILIP as well. When SLCL director Mariselle Meléndez invited me to help revive ILIP, I was eager to participate because I knew what a wonderful program it was. In fact, during its hiatus, many community members reached out to ask when ILIP would return, thus underscoring the impact of the program. You can read testimonials from past students here.
What impact do you hope ILIP will have on the community?
I hope that ILIP will help build bridges within our community by bringing people together to deepen their understanding of different languages and cultures. Champaign-Urbana is a profoundly diverse place, and I would like to see ILIP promote an appreciation for multiculturalism and multilingualism. In my opinion, there is nothing quite as humbling and empowering as learning another language.
Is there anything else you want people to know about the program?
IFLIP offers intensive in-person classes with a skilled instructor for a low cost. Classes are designed to be fun, friendly, and welcoming. There is no required attendance, minimal homework, no grade, and all materials will be provided. Help us spread the word about this wonderful opportunity!