The University of Virginia’s Lorna Sundberg International Center is launching a new, short-term foreign language program that promises to teach participants everyday phrases, greetings, basic grammar and alphabet phonetics in Spanish and Italian.

Language Jumpstart is open to anyone in the U.Va. and Charlottesville communities. The program is being offered on two Saturdays, from 1 to 4 p.m. each day, at the center, located at 21 University Circle. Spanish instruction will be offered Sept. 22 and 29, and Italian instruction will be offered Oct. 20 and 27. More information about the programs, applications and fees is available here. Acceptance into the programs is on a first-come, first-served basis, and space is limited.

Language Jumpstart is offered in collaboration with the Department of Spanish, Italian and Portuguese in U.Va.’s College of Arts & Sciences. Short lectures will be followed by practice in small groups with native speakers. 

Program designers said the classes are designed to “jumpstart” participants interest in learning a new foreign language. Students can go on to study on their own or take more formal classes. Additional languages will be added to the program in the coming months.

The International Center, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary, is a division of U.Va.’s International Studies Office. It supports the University’s global education initiatives by providing the University and local community a comfortable space for sharing cultures. Its programs and services include social and cultural events, English language programs, meeting and reception space, and short-term lodging.