What is The UWI Foreign Language Policy?
In keeping with one of its strategic objectives to enable graduates to develop foreign language competencies suitable for a 21st century world, The University of the West Indies has implemented a foreign language policy that came into effect in the 2022/2023 academic year.
ALL students who have been accepted into The University of the West Indies from the academic year 2022/2023, and onwards, to read for an undergraduate degree are required to register for and successfully complete a prescribed three-credit foreign language course at the level of their competence.
Who is exempted from the Foreign Language Policy?
- Students who matriculated into the University with a foreign language obtained at the Caribbean Examinations Council with CSEC Grade 1, 2 or 3, or CAPE Unit I or II, Grades l to 5, or equivalent.
- ALL international students whose first language is not English and who matriculated into the University with English as a Second Language (ESL) qualification.
- Any student who has certification in a foreign language.
These exemptions shall be without credit
N.B. Undergraduates who satisfy matriculation requirements under the Mature Student Clause will also be required to show proficiency in a foreign language.
Which courses are available to students who need to fulfil this requirement at the Cave Hill Campus?
- CHIN 1001 Chinese Language I
- FREN 0101 Beginners’ French
- SPAN 0101 Beginners’ Spanish
- LING 1819 Beginners’ Caribbean Sign Language
How else can this requirement be fulfilled?
Students can fulfil this requirement by obtaining a certification in a foreign language from any institution outside of the University.
When do students have to take a foreign language?
Students can fulfil this requirement at any time during their undergraduate programme.
Where will this requirement be recorded?
The fulfilment of foreign language requirement will be recorded on students’ transcripts.