World Language Proficiency

Why do IAFS Majors have to take a language?Ìý

To deepen their understanding of global regions and enhance cross-cultural communication skills, IAFS majors are required to demonstrate third-year, university-level proficiency in a world language that aligns with their Geographic Concentration. Language study complements regional coursework and prepares students for meaningful engagement in international settings - whether in research, diplomacy, global business, or study abroad.

This requirement is typically met by completing two 3000-level grammar courses in the chosen language (except Spanish; see table below for details).

  • Language Declaration: Students must declare their language with their IAFS academic advisor by the end of sophomore year.
  • Placement & Proficiency: If the language is offered at Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder, students must take the department’s placement test by the end of sophomore year. Students must complete at least the final semester of their required language sequence at the 3000 level.
  • Special Circumstances: If seeking a proficiency waiver for a language not offered at Âé¶¹Ãâ·Ñ°æÏÂÔØBoulder or for native speakers, students must consult their IAFS advisor by the end of sophomore year.
  • Study Abroad Language Courses: If planning to fulfill part of the requirement while abroad, speak with your IAFS advisor in advance.

Specific Requirement by Language

For the following languages, the third-year courses which will fulfill the language requirement are:

³¢²¹²Ô²µ³Ü²¹²µ±ðÌýCoursesÌý Ìý ÌýGeographic
Concentration(s)
ArabicARAB 3110 & 3120Africa/Middle East
ChineseCHIN 3110 & 3120Asia
FarsiFRSI 3110 & 3120Africa/Middle East
FrenchFREN 3010 & 3050Africa/Middle East
Europe/Eurasia
GermanGRMN 3010 & 3020Europe/Eurasia
HebrewHEBR 3010 & 3020Africa/Middle East
HindiHIND 3110 & 3120Asia
ItalianITAL 3015 &Ìýone of the following:
ITAL 3025, 3030, or 3040
Europe/Eurasia
JapaneseJPNS 3110 & 3120Asia
KoreanKREN 3110 & 3120Asia
PortuguesePORT 3003 &Ìýone of the following:
PORT 3230, 4110, or 4150
Europe/Eurasia
Latin America
RussianRUSS 3010 & 3020Europe/Eurasia
SpanishSPAN 3000 ORÌýtwo of the three following courses: SPAN 3010, SPAN 3100, or SPAN 3120 (with approved prerequisite exemption; contact Spanish and Portuguese for placement exam details)Europe/Eurasia
Latin America
SwedishSWED 3010 & 3020Europe/Eurasia

Tutoring Resources

Questions?

  • Consult your IAFS academic advisor with questions or to confirm what is necessary to complete theÌýWorld Language Proficiency requirements.