Program Description

Directed Independent Language Study (DILS) is designed to give students the opportunity to study languages that are not currently offered through traditional classroom instruction at the University of Miami. The goal of the Program is to assist students to rapidly gain a sense of comfort using a language they would otherwise not be able to learn, and to promote their ability to easily adapt and respond to new linguistic and concomitant cultural environments. Flexibility is one of the key components of the Program, responding to the students’ language needs and language acquisition capabilities.

An individual language program -- limited to a maximum of five students -- is based on a carefully structured relationship between the student, a native speaker of the target language (Language Partner or LP), appropriate instructional materials, and an outside examiner. Students in the program are expected to adhere to a daily schedule of work on their own using the designated instructional materials; they are scheduled to meet in practice sessions with their Language Partners for one hour twice a week. They are tested at least once a semester by an outside examiner, a qualified language pedagogue at another institution of higher learning where they specialize in the target language.

There is no ‘teacher’ in the program, as that term is understood in other instructional contexts. It is central to the success of the program that students understand what is expected of them in an independent, albeit structured, learning environment: they must be self-directed, self-disciplined, and must be willing to assume responsibility for their language learning.

Students wishing to pursue language study in DILS must submit an application stating their goals and objectives. (Please see for details “Eligibility and Application Procedure”). The DILS Program Director identifies appropriate curricular materials, Language Partners and qualified examiners for students whose applications are seriously considered. Only those applications will be approved for which adequate materials, Language Partners, and testing can be arranged. Since establishing the availability of these resources takes time, DILS applications must be submitted in the semester preceding the one for which study is proposed.

Only students in good academic standing should apply to the Program. Students provisionally approved to study in DILS are interviewed by the DILS Director. They are accepted in DILS at the discretion of the DILS Director.

Students in DILS are strongly encouraged to combine and further develop their on-campus language study with study abroad, field work and internships.

DILS is open to qualified undergraduate and graduate students at the University of Miami. Language study in DILS does not earn credit; however, a notation will be recorded on the students’ transcripts of having done language study in DILS.

Interested students should contact the DILS Director at DILS@miami.edu.