Speaking Freely
SPEAKING FREELY: TRAVEL WITHOUT A SUITCASE
Get a taste of a new language and culture without leaving home! Speaking Freely is available to all NYU undergraduate and graduate students and staff free of charge. The 75-minute language coaching sessions meet once a week for approximately eleven weeks each semester at various locations on campus. Each week, you'll learn how to communicate on a different topic, or you might enjoy a related activity—a movie, concert, or neighborhood visit—as part of a small informal language group. No books are required and there’s no pressure of grades!
Languages
Speaking Freely offers sessions in many different languages, including Arabic, French, Hindi, Italian, Japanese, Russian, Mandarin, and Spanish. When planning your Speaking Freely schedule, please keep in mind that languages may vary each semester. Please see the schedule for meeting times and locations.
Levels
Speaking Freely is a fun way to gain an introduction to a language, and also improve your language skills if you already have the basics. The sessions emphasize conversational knowledge, learning practical words and phrases you might use when traveling or studying abroad, as well as vocabulary related to various aspects of art, history, and culture.
At least two levels of coaching are offered for most of the languages, and a third is offered in some languages, depending on instructor availability.
Level 1 is a basic introduction for those who have no experience in the language.
Level 2 is slightly more advanced, and meant for those who have completed Level 1 or those who have a little experience in the language.
Level 3 is meant for those who are fairly proficient, and have studied the language for a couple of years or more in high school or college.