The University of Wisconsin Oshkosh has expanded student opportunities by offering foreign language certificates (FLC).

FLCs give students a chance to improve and display their foreign language skills without the credit-heavy commitment of a major or minor.

It also allows Bachelor of Science students—who have no foreign language requirement—an opportunity to build off experience they may have acquired in high school.

“The FLC program requires fewer credits than a minor,” Elizabeth Wade-Sirabian, chair of Foreign Languages and Literatures, said. “Certificates are 15 to 18 credits depending on the language and the core courses for the certificate are at the 200 level. To complete a foreign language certificate, students take two 200 level courses and three 300 level courses.”

Sirabian said students can take placement tests in French, German and Spanish to determine the level at which to start their language study at UW Oshkosh. They can also be evaluated by UW Oshkosh instructors teaching Chinese and Japanese, as Wisconsin does not have placement  tests for those languages.

Sirabian said if students place at the 300 level of a foreign language, the FLCs will take students three semesters to complete. She finds that the certificate program can be a great opportunity for those who want to explore a foreign language in depth.

“We consider FLCs a force multiplier when students are looking for jobs,” said Rebecca Habeck, academic departmental assistant. “It can be helpful in fields like nursing and business. It only makes sense to get credit for their foreign language background. It can also be good for students who don’t feel they have enough room in their schedule to add a foreign language minor to their degree.”

“The certificates prepare students for study abroad experiences and help them stand apart when looking for jobs,” Sirabian said. “The certificate will appear on students’ STAR reports and their transcripts.The latter will allow students to show others that they have attained a certain level of accomplishment in a foreign language.”

Sirabian said the department is especially pleased to offer the Chinese FLC because the language is unavailable as a major or minor yet it has shown consistent growth on campus. In fact, the certificate will be the first academic program for Chinese at UW Oshkosh.

Students interested in obtaining a Foreign Language Certificate should speak to their adviser or visit the Department of Foreign Languages and Literatures, located this semester in Dempsey 230.