Skip to content

Foreign Language Requirement

Summer Programs

There is no foreign language requirement for students studying on summer study away programs.

Semester Programs

Duke students on Duke-Administered and Duke-Approved programs taught in English in non-English speaking countries are required to take at least one course in the local language while on the program abroad, regardless of whether or not the student has completed their foreign language requirement at Duke. The language course must be taught over a span of at least four weeks and be eligible for transfer credit approval by a Duke department. If students do not comply with the requirement, a maximum of three course credits will transfer back to Duke for the semester, regardless of credits earned. 

The only exception to this policy is the ICCS program in Rome, where Greek or Latin may be substituted for Italian.

FL credit is not guaranteed. If a student has questions about obtaining FL credit, they should speak directly with the relevant Duke department.