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Faculty of Arts
Language Centre
The Faculty of Arts Language Centre provides world-class facilities and technology for UM’s different language programs. It supports language learning at all levels, informs on international opportunities and offers cultural insight through activities and events for students.
Language Centre
Upcoming events
What we offer
Study languages
There are many reasons to add a language to your education. Throughout your degree, you can take courses in many languages offered at the beginner level or more advanced levels. Learning a language can lead to meeting new friends in a student club, travel study opportunities or career opportunities.
Language courses
The Faculty of Arts offers courses in the following languages:
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- Arabic
- Chinese
- Cree
- French
- German
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- Ancient Greek
- Hebrew
- Hungarian
- Icelandic
- Italian
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- Japanese
- Korean
- Latin
- Michif
- Ojibwe
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- Polish
- Russian
- Spanish
- Ukrainian
- Yiddish
Did you know? A full six credit hour language course at any level will satisfy the Bachelor of Arts Humanities requirement.
Language resources
The Language Centre offers program and department-specific resources.
Language Tutor program
Tutoring is available for students by students.
Book a tutor
New language learners registered in language courses can book a free tutor session with a Language Centre student tutor. Sessions run 30 to 60 minutes and may be one-on-one or with a small group of students.
Email language.centre@umanitoba.ca with:
- Your name
- UM email address
- UM student number
- Language requesting tutoring in
- Course and section enrolled in
- Day and time requested
- What would you like help with? (short description)
Scheduling of appointments will be done Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m. Please give up to 24 hours for a response.
View the Fall 2024 tutoring availability schedule
Arabic
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Chinese
Monday 2:40 p.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m., 2:30 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 11:20 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
French
Monday 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
Tuesday 9:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., 2:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:45 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.
Thursday 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m., 2:45 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.
German
Monday 10:35 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Tuesday 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Wednesday 10:35 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Friday 10:35 a.m. – 12:10 p.m.
Korean
Tuesday 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Wednesday before 6:00 p.m.
Thursday at 10:30 a.m. or 1:00 p.m.
Russian
Monday 8:30 a.m. - 10:20 a.m., 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m., 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
Friday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Spanish
Monday 11:30 a.m. - 12:20 p.m., 1:30 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Tuesday 1:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Wednesday 11:30 a.m. – 12:20 p.m.
Friday 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m.
Ukrainian
Monday 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Tuesday 4:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.
Friday 3:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Become a tutor
The Language Centre offers and coordinates a tutor program for new language learners. We are always looking for volunteers who can tutor students mainly in beginner language classes.
We are looking for advanced language learners or speakers in a variety of languages. You do NOT have to be a native speaker to participate. Tutors will use the Language Centre's Zoom account or meet in person in a designated room in the Dafoe Library.
The schedule is flexible and can be adapted to your availability. If you volunteer for at least 10 hours throughout the academic year, your time will be registered for UM Experience Record.
Tutor training
Tutors receive an introductory workshop and will conduct mock sessions before tutoring their first student. The Academic Learning Centre also offers a Tutor Training Workshop each year.
Benefits to tutors
- Be involved on campus.
- Add it to your resume.
- Practice your language.
- Get Experience Record recognition (with 10 hours or more).
- It's fun!
Apply to be a tutor
If you would like to apply to be a tutor, email us at language.centre@umanitoba.ca.
Language weeks
Join the Language Centre and explore the wide variety of foreign and native languages, offered by the Faculty of Arts. Learn about different cultures and history and take part in some fun presentations and games. This is also the perfect time to get information on language classes, travel study opportunities, language practice resources and more. Don’t miss out on our tour around the world!
Language weeks will restart in 2024-25.
If you are a department, program, student group interested in promoting or being part of the Languages Feature Weeks, please contact language.centre@umanitoba.ca.
Language contests
University language contest
Each year the Language Centre contest invites submissions from full-time University of Manitoba students. Students are asked to enter a project of creative expression relating to the contest theme.
2024 UM Language contest
Theme: Celebrate Diversity: Campus Multiculturalism Video Contest
The 2024 university student contest is now CLOSED.
2024 Winners: Celebrate Diversity: Campus multiculturalism video contest
In 2024, we asked UM students to create a video that showcases the vibrant tapestry of cultures that make our campus a truly global community
Congratulations to the 2024 winners:
- First place: Liam Moore (Faculty of Science)
- Second place: Kaelah Hoffman (I.H. Asper School of Business)
2023 Winners: Why should you add a language to your university degree?
In 2023, we asked UM students to tell us why they should add a language to their university degree.
Congratulations to the 2023 winners:
- First place: Rimsha Sohail (I.H. Asper School of Business), video submission
- Second place: Jackie Dormer (Faculty of Arts), PowerPoint submission
- Third place: Paula Robles Andia (Faculty of Arts), poster submission
If you require a document on this page in an alternate format, please submit a request to language.centre@umanitoba.ca. Please note that documents owned or created by external partners outside of the University of Manitoba are the responsibility of the external individual or organization.
High School language contest
Each year the Language Centre contest invites submissions from high school language program classes (grades 9-12). Classes are asked to submit a video relating to the contest theme.
2024 High School Language contest
Theme: Celebrate Diversity - Multiculturalism Video Contest
The 2024 high school contest is CLOSED.
All winning entries will be featured on UM's official university channels, promoting your talent and contributing to the celebration of multiculturalism.
2022 Winners: Let's promote language learning
In 2022, we asked high school students to create an advertising campaign to encourage others to learn a new language. We asked them to tell us the top reasons to take a language course.
Congratulations to the 2022 winners:
- Individual first place: Yurie Tanaka (Balmoral Hall), video submission
- Individual second place: no winner
- Individual third place: no winner
- Class first place: Ms. Allan's Grade 12 class (Windsor Park Collegiate), video submission
- Class second place: Mrs. Muñoz's Grade 10 class-1 (Fort Richmond Collegiate), video submission
- Class third place: Ms. Stepaniuk's Grade 10 class (River East Collegiate), Powerpoint submission
Thank you to all students who took the time to enter the contest this year! We're looking forward to what you create next year.
2021 Winners: The power of language
In 2021, we asked high school students to tell us how languages shape people and cultures and the way we see things. We were curious to find out what students know about other cultures through language learning and if it changes their perception of their own culture.
Congratulations to the 2021 winners:
- Individual first place: Chise Kondo (Balmoral Hall), poster submission
- Individual second place: Holly Typliski (Lord Selkirk Regional Comprehensive Secondary School), video submission
- Individual third place: no winner
- Class winner: Ms. Carla Allan's Grade 12 class (Windsor Park Collegiate), video submission
Thank you to all students who took the time to enter the contest!
Study abroad
The University of Manitoba grants university credit for a number of different types of programs abroad. You can choose from exchange programs, travel study courses and field study courses that provide hands-on experience while allowing time to travel, explore and even work abroad.
Exchange programs
The University of Manitoba offers international student exchange experiences in 20 destinations in Europe, Costa Rica, Asia or Australia.
Courses are taught in either English or in the country’s official language by the exchange universities during the normal academic year. Funding may be available through the International Centre or your home faculty. Open to students from all faculties.
If you have questions, visit us in the Language Centre or visit the exchange program webpage.
Travel study/Field study courses
Travel study/Field study courses are University of Manitoba courses taught by UM professors in locations other than our Winnipeg campuses. The courses run from a few days to several weeks and generally take place over the summer months providing you with hands-on exploration such as archaeological digs in the Mediterranean and/or North Africa and cultural/language experience in Poland, Hungary or Germany.
Travel study/field study opportunities from the Faculty of Arts
Anthropology
Archaeological Field Schools
During the summer, field schools give students the chance to gain hands-on experience excavating and analyzing artifacts at a local or international site. For more information, contact anthro@umanitoba.ca.
Catholic Studies
In the summer, unique travel study courses have been offered to locations such as Spain, Ireland, Scotland, the Holy Land and China. The courses explore local sites integral to the history and culture of he Roman Catholic Church and students gain an understanding of the history, art, monuments, people and landscapes central to Catholic history.
German and Slavic Studies
Summer 2022 - Hungary
HUNG 2100: Hungarian Culture and Language (6 credit hours)
Participate in an immersive study experience in Budapest (5 days) and Szeged (14 days). Explore Hungarian culture, history, art, life and society in excursions, classes and guest lectures along with some introductory, conversational language training. Open to students from all faculties.
Travel scholarships and grants
Scholarships and grants are available to conduct studies or research outside of Canada.
DAAD Study Stays
Study scholarship for students interested in completing graduate studies in Germany.
View the 2023 DAAD Funding for Students Presentation
German Studies Research Grant
Supports students majoring or minoring in German who want to carry out a research stay in Germany.
Summer Course Grant
Participate in a 3 to 4 week summer school in Germany to support learning the language.
Student opportunities
Student groups
Student groups and clubs can help you practice a language, learn more about a culture and connect with others. Groups can bring together students who share a passion - from ethnic origin groups, to languages, areas of study and more.
UM student groups and clubs focused on language and culture:
German Students' Association on Instagram
Métis University Students' Association (MUSA) on Instagram
Polish Student Association on Instagram
Ukrainian Students' Association on Instagram
Depending on student involvement, a student group may not be active every year.
Volunteer/Job/Internship opportunities
Volunteer opportunities:
Become a Language Centre Tutor: The Language Centre offers and coordinates a tutor program for new language learners. We are always looking for volunteers who can tutor students mainly in beginner language classes. Learn more about becoming a Language Centre Tutor.
Folklorama: Become a general volunteer, pavilion volunteer, join Team Folklorama or the Folklorama Youth Council. Learn more about volunteering at Folklorama.
Job opportunities:
- Teaching in Germany with the Pedagogical Exchange Office (PAD)
- Work in Germany (as a student) with the Youth Mobility Visa
- Work in Japan with the Japan Exchange and Teaching (JET) Programme
Internship opportunities:
Gain practical research or work experience through internships.
- DAAD internships in science and engineering (Germany)
- DAAD internships in EMGIP-Bundestag (Germany)
- International Parliamentary Scholarship (Germany) for Canadians under 30
About us
The Language Centre
Located in the Isbister Building on UM’s Fort Garry Campus, the Language Centre was established in 1996 as a joint venture between the Faculty of Arts and the Extended Education Division.
The Language Centre works in close collaboration with all language departments to provide support and facilities for their language programs—including an information centre, a resource centre and two computerized learning laboratories.
Mission
It is our mission to improve:
- The quality of teaching and learning through information exchange, networking, collaboration, research and development.
- The language teaching and learning environment by upgrading the facilities, resources, materials and technologies available to bring language and culture alive in the classroom.
Language lab etiquette
To make the Language Lab as productive a study environment as possible we ask you please abide by the following rules:
- Work as quietly as possible and keep conversation to a minimum especially when entering and leaving the lab.
- Do not bring any food or drinks into the lab. Liquids and crumbs can destroy keyboards etc. Please leave any such items on the table by the door.
- Do not use mobile phones in the lab.
- Do not change the computer settings or icons.
- Treat the computers (especially the headsets) gently and with respect.
- Do not use the lab to read email, "surf" the web, work on term papers, etc. The Language Lab facilities are provided solely for the purpose of language learning. Please use one of the many campus Academic Computer Labs for other activities.
- Do not connect any personal equipment (other than headsets) to the computers.
- Report any problems, malfunctions or inappropriate use of the facilities to the staff.
Thank you for your cooperation.
Contact us
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Dr. Alexandra Heberger
Director
alexandra.heberger@umanitoba.ca -
Brian Mabon
Operations Manager
brian.mabon@umanitoba.ca
Language Centre
103 Isbister Building
University of Manitoba
Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2 Canada
204-474-6358
204-474-7590
Monday to Friday 8:30 am to 4:00 pm