Language Level Placement

MIT students join Global Languages subjects from a variety of personal and academic backgrounds, from first-time learners to those who have studied in high school, self-studied, or with a heritage or other connection to the language. MIT students interested to enroll in Global Languages subjects but uncertain of what class or level is appropriate should refer to instructions below for each language.

Arabic

Contact Muna Bruce to confirm the most appropriate subject for enrollment.

Chinese

For placement in “Regular Track” subjects, contact Haohsiang Liao. For placement in “Streamlined Track” subjects, contact Min-Min Liang.

French

If you have taken one year of French in high school, or one semester at the college level, enroll in 21G.302 French II. If you have taken two years of French in high school, or two semesters at the college level, enroll in 21G.303 French III. If you have taken three years of French in high school, or three semesters at the college level, enroll in 21G.304 French IV. Scores of 4 or 5 on the French AP exam indicate readiness to enroll in 21G.310, 21G.312, 21G.342, 21G.346 or 21G.347. For further questions about enrollment in French, contact Eva Dessein.

German

Contact Dagmar Jaeger to confirm the most appropriate subject for enrollment.

Japanese

A placement test is required for students who have not taken a prerequisite course at MIT. In order to arrange a placement test, please fill out this form. We will contact you with a level suggestion once we receive your information. If you have questions, contact the Japanese Placement Team.

Korean

Contact Hee-Jeong Jeong to confirm the most appropriate subject for enrollment.

Portuguese

Contact Nilma Dominique to confirm the most appropriate subject for enrollment.

Russian

Contact Maria Khotimsky to confirm the most appropriate subject for enrollment.

Spanish

If you have studied one to two years of Spanish, contact Liana Ewald to evaluate your level. If you have taken three years of Spanish and/or received a 3-4 on the AP test, contact Mariana San Martín or David Yagüe González to evaluate your level. If you have taken four or more years of Spanish and/or received a 5 on the AP test, contact Ana Yáñez Rodriguez or David Yagüe González  to evaluate your level.

If you are a heritage speaker of Spanish, contact Javier Barroso to evaluate your level.

Language Proficiency

Global Languages supports specific and designated instances of MIT student language evaluation outside of the classroom. In general, proficiency assessments are not available on request, either to MIT students or the general public.

Graduate Language Exam

MIT graduate students who must show proficiency in a foreign language toward their graduate degree requirements should refer to instructions to schedule a GLE. GLE’s may be administered in November or April only.

English Evaluation Test

As of AY2022, the English Evaluation Test (EET) will be organized and administered by Comparative Media Studies/Writing (CMS/W). Refer to information and instructions to register for the exam with CMS/W.