Eligibility

A qualified language partner is someone who speaks a language natively that students in the DILS program would like to learn. DILS only runs programs in languages NOT taught in formal courses at Yale, so in most cases, DILS languages are what are called the less commonly taught languages.

DILS language partners can be graduate or professional students at Yale or at neighboring universities. They may also be members of the New Haven community, or in the cases where no language partner can be found in the area, language partners may also be located at a distance and “meet” with students using Skype. Unfortunately, undergraduates may not apply to be language partners.

No teaching or tutoring experience is necessary for potential language partners. The main responsibility of language partners is to provide students with an opportunity to use and practice the language they are studying. Language partners are not expected to teach the rules of the language or to provide explanations of grammar. Enthusiasm and a willingness to support the students in their learning are the most important qualifications for a potential language partner.

Application Process

If you are interested in applying to become a DILS language partner, please fill out an application form and email it to dils@yale.edu as an attachment. Although DILS runs programs in different languages each semester depending on the student applications that have been accepted, applications from potential language partners are always invited.

Once your application has been reviewed and the references you provided have been contacted, the DILS Director will be in touch with you with more information about the program.

More Information

For questions not answered on this website, contact dils@yale.edu or call (203) 432-0584.

Back to DILS home page.