faq

I heard that the Language Center provides writing support for non-native speakers. Where can I sign up for sessions?

Go to this page for the description of the EAL Writing Support Program.

Do you offer English courses for non-GW students?

Currently, our EAP (English for Academic Purposes) courses are only for enrolled GW students, but we are planning to offer some classes for non-GW students in the future. Please check back with us later.

Do you offer one-on-one tutoring in foreign languages?

LC foreign language tutors provide tutoring in the majority of the foreign languages taught in the university. The service is free of charge and is offered at the Language Center Media Room (Phillips 211) on a walk-in basis (see the HOURS to the left). The tutor will spend a maximum of about 20 to 30 minutes with each student.

There is also a Language Exchange program (link to the right). You can search for a matching student offering the language you want to study who also needs help with your native language. You can arrange your own times to meet up.

My professor told me to use Audacity/Garage Band and iTunes for my homework. Where can I learn about them?

You can learn about them from this site. You can also come to the Language Center Media Room (Phillips 211) and speak with a tutor who is on duty.

I am supposed to view a Language Center video for my language class. Where is it?

Most likely, your professor has the video on his/her Blackboard page, either in the announcement section or in the "files". The Language Center provides a "Virtual Media Room" page to each professor requesting the service. You can view a video placed on a Virtual Media Room page from anywhere on or off campus provided you follow the instructions at the bottom of the page carefully.

I clicked on the link to a movie, but nothing happened.

All movie links have been tested before being placed on the homepage. If you cannot access a movie or audio file, it is usually because (1) you have not downloaded QuickTime, (2) failed to authenticate (off campus), or (3) the connection speed is slow (off campus). If you cannot solve the problem, please come to the Language Center Media room or go to a campus Computer Lab.

I am a GW alumnus. Can I  take a GW language course?

Contact the Office of Alumni Relations (202-994-6650) and one of the following language departments offering the language you want to study:

Do you know if GW recognizes AP/IB credits?

I want to take a language placement test. What should I do?

Consult the web site of the appropriate department:

I tried to take the Spanish placement test with my Quia username and password, but I got the message that I did not have access to the test. What am I doing wrong?

There are three possibilities:

  • You set up your account correctly, but you did not sign up for the class for taking the test. Go back to your account information page and paste the class code PTXX738 at the prompt.
  • You used your username and password for your Quia book. Go back to the Spanish Placement test homepage and follow the instructions.
  • You set up a  trial account for an instructor instead of a student account. Go back to the Spanish Placement test homepage and follow the instructions.

I am an undergraduate student in CCAS. What are my foreign language requirements?

Consult the following departmental web sites:

How can I get credit for language courses I took while abroad?

For a language offered at GW, consult the web site of the appropriate department:

For languages not offered at GW, the Language Center Director can authorize credit.

What documents do I need to get credit for language courses I took while abroad?

Bring as much proof as possible that it was an academically demanding, officially structured course. For example: the syllabus, transcripts, completion certificates, term papers, and assignments.

I am an incoming graduate student from a non-English-speaking country. How can I sign up for the EAP (English for Academic Purposes) placement test?

Please check the English for Academic Purposes section of this site for the most up-to-date information.

I am a graduate student in CCAS. How can I sign up for a tool exam?

See this page. For the Russian language exam for Political Science, read this page. The testing procedure and the examples given are like those of the Elliott School Test. To take the test, arrange a time with Prof. Robin.

I am a graduate student in the Elliot School. How can I sign up for the Elliot School exit exam? 

Consult your Elliot School advisors for the date and other information.

Who can borrow equipment or media material from the Language Center?

Only a faculty or staff member of the Language Center Blackboard Community can borrow equipment or media material. To become a member, fill out this form. If you are currently enrolled in a GW langauge class, you should have access to assigned movies from your Blackboard account. You can also check out DVDs from the Gelman Library.

I am a language professor at GW. How can I book a Language Center classroom?

First apply for a membership in the Language Center Blackboard Community by filling out this form. Once you become a member, you can use one of the online request forms from the 'request forms' tab found in your Language Center Blackboard account.  

I am a language professor at GW. How can I borrow equipment or media material?

First apply for a membership in the Language Center Blackboard Community by filling out this form. Once you become a member, you can use one of the online reservation/request forms through your Language Center Blackboard account to make a reservation. A list of available movies is available on the Blackboard Community. If you need a piece of equipment or DVD immediately, come see the Office Manager at Phillips 216. If it is not already reserved or in use, you may be able to check it out.

The Language Center
Phillips Hall 216

Media Center
Phillips Hall 211

(c) 2006 The George Washington University, The Language Center, Phillips Hall 216, 801 22nd St, NW Washington DC 20052
phone: 202-994-6333   email: language@gwu.edu