Language is an intellectual tool basic to all disciplines.
The goal of the Language Program at UCSC is to allow students to achieve a substantial level of proficiency in languages other than English. Since such proficiency always includes cultural as well as linguistic comprehension, the program requires investigating the complex relationship between language and culture. The Language Program offers rigorous language training by professional language instructors. Most courses are taught in the target language from the very beginning. Students with previous language preparation who wish to continue in that language take a placement examination to determine the course level appropriate for them.