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Who can take foreign language classes at TFLI?
Anyone with a desire to learn a foreign language can take a class! Our classes are geared towards adult learners and use college-level materials. Occasionally, we do have young-adult students in our classes if they feel they are mature enough to take a class with adults.
We are a non-accredited institution, so there is no application – just register and pay or, if you are an Employee of the State of Tennessee, submit a signed fee-waiver form.
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What languages do you teach?
We currently offer the following languages on our regular schedule of group classes: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Portuguese, Russian and Spanish. If you want to learn a language that is not taught as a group class, just ask!
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Why do you offer the languages you offer in terms of group classes?
The languages we offer in our group classes are the most popular in terms of enrollment. In the past we have offered less-common languages but found enrollment to be insufficient to allow us to hold a group class. BACK TO TOP |
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I’m interested in studying a language that is not among those offered in the listing of your group classes. Is this possible?
Yes! For languages not offered as a group class, or if your schedule does not permit you to participate in a group class we can usually offer a “custom” (private) class. We have a vast network of teachers who can teach less common languages including but not limited to Farsi, Korean, Swahili, Swedish, and Vietnamese. These languages can be taught as a custom (private) class for individuals or groups and are priced differently than our group classes. Please note that custom classes are not covered by State Employee Fee Waivers! If you’d like to see about arranging a custom class for you or your small group, contact the Foreign Languages Department. Be aware that, depending on the language, it is not always possible to find a teacher here in Nashville. If we cannot find a teacher, we can usually direct you to some self-study resources. BACK TO TOP |
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When does the next term of foreign language classes begin and how long does the term run?
The complete schedule for group classes will usually be posted online a month to a month and a half before the deadline to register each term. Dates and deadlines for classes and events at TFLI can be found on our online calendar. The Fall 2008 Term is now in session and will run through the week of November 17th.
The next term will begin the week of January 12th and go through the week of March 16th. Check back in December for the new schedule and to find out more information.
Our group classes in Foreign Language are scheduled in four terms; Fall, Spring, Summer and Winter. Most meet for 10 weeks (2 hours per week) and are offered at different levels from Beginning through Advanced and on various days and times (most classes are held weekdays from 6-8pm at TFLI and during the day in Green Hills) throughout the week. We will be offering various levels of each of our group class languages each term.
We also offer shorter-term accelerated foreign language classes, travel preparation classes and other “specialty” and profession-related classes that may begin later. Contact the Foreign Languages Department at fl@foreignlanguages.org or check the online course catalog at http://www.ssreg.com/tfli/ for updates! BACK TO TOP |
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How can I register?
You can register and pay for classes and materials conveniently on our website, http://www.ssreg.com/tfli/ . Please call us at 741-7579 x108 if you have trouble navigating the website or enrolling online – we’re happy to assist you! BACK TO TOP
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How do I register for a TFLI foreign language class if my class is covered by a State of Tennessee fee waiver?
State employees and those whose paychecks are issued by the TN Board of Regents are generally the ones who qualify for a fee waiver at TN State institutions. TFLI is among the schools who accept fee waiver students.
If you want to enroll in a class using a Fee Waiver, your registration must be processed offline by doing the following:
1) Go to our secure registration site http://www.ssreg.com/tfli/ and create an account for yourself with your correct email address so that you will receive any subsequent correspondence regarding your class(es). Again, you cannot enroll for your class on the website, just register your name and contact information.
2) Download and print out a Registration Form and a State of Tennessee Employee Fee Waiver form.
3) Browse the catalog approximately a month prior to the start of classes and search by languages or subject matter for the class you wish to take. Then, just note the 'CLASS CODE' of the class you wish to take, enter it on your Registration Form.
4) Fax, mail or bring in both your Registration Form and State of Tennessee Employee Fee Waiver form that has been signed by your supervisor. We must receive BOTH forms by August 29th for you to be officially registered for the Fall 2008 term. We will subsequently contact you to confirm your registration.
Please remember that the class must have sufficient full-paying enrollment before a fee waiver may join and classes that do not have adequate enrollment or are at maximum capacity are subject to closure or cancellation. If a class either reaches capacity and is closed to further enrollment or is cancelled due to insufficient enrollment, we will notify you with alternative date and/or time options for the same class.
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Can I get college credit for TFLI classes?
TFLI is not an accredited institution, so you cannot usually take foreign language classes for college credit towards a degree. At the request of and with approval from a degree-granting institution, we have assisted in providing courses to meet academic requirements for courses of study not otherwise available at the particular academic institution. We cannot initiate such a request, and it must be pre-arranged with your academic institution.
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Why take classes through TFLI?
TFLI classes are small, which means that you’ll get plenty of individual attention and get to know your classmates, something not usually possible in a college setting. Additionally, we are not tied to any strict curriculum, which allows for a more fun, spontaneous and creative classroom environment. Learning a foreign language, while always challenging, should be interesting and relevant! With over 20 years providing foreign language instruction and with an impressive network of foreign language instructors in and around Nashville, TFLI is proud to offer unbeatable quality and service. Plus, TFLI classes are a great value. BACK TO TOP
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Who are your foreign language instructors?
Our instructors are trained native or near-native speakers who are motivated by a desire to share their love of their language and culture. Some teach full-time, some have “day jobs” and teach for fun. We provide an in-house training program and strive to provide highest quality language instruction possible.
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Are TFLI teachers certified?
We do not require Tennessee state certification in order to be employed as an instructor. However, most of our instructors have extensive experience teaching in a variety of settings. All instructors are either native speakers or have near-native fluency, are recruited by us or reffered through reliable sources with recommendations, and undergo our in-house professional development training and regular observations with feedback.
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How do I know which level of class I should take and what can I expect to learn in 20 hours?
Under each class in the course catalog on our registration page (http://www.ssreg.com/tfli/) there is a brief description of what is covered and the required materials. If you have studied the language before and feel you need placement, contact the Foreign Languages Department at 615-741-7579, ext. 108, or e-mail us at fl@foreignlanguages.org . If you find that you are in a level that is not appropriate, please let us know and we will work with you to place you in another class that is.
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What teaching methods are used in TFLI’s foreign language classes?
Each teacher has his or her own style of teaching, but we encourage teachers to create situations that encourage students to communicate in a genuine way early on. Classes are taught primarily in the target language and we strongly encourage students to “roll with it”, and do their best to maintain a feeling of immersion in the classroom. It may be intimidating at first, but after a few sessions, you will find that you are becoming accustomed to hearing the language and begin understanding and speaking more and more each time. We feel that by hearing and seeing only the target language and then practicing speaking, writing and reading it in turn, our students will be able to gain fluency faster and in a more “natural” way – much as children learn their native language by being exposed to language as part of their environment. Don’t worry – our instructors strive to make this experience fun and they understand the challenges that foreign language-learners can encounter.
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What is emphasized in the class?
The emphasis is on spoken communication. The other skills - listening, reading and writing - are also part of the curriculum. Our primary goal is for you to speak and understand the language to the best of your ability. If you choose a custom class, you will focus on whatever you like and/or whatever is most useful to you. Custom classes are designed by you and your instructor.
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What is the class size?
Our classes are generally small (average 7 students) so we can provide the most effective learning environment and give a maximum of individual attention.
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Do I need to buy books for TFLI foreign language classes?
Most of our classes require you to purchase materials which generally consist of a textbook and/or workbook, audio and/or passcode to access online audio and self-study resources. Cost for materials ranges from $30-$150, depending on the language and level. State of Tennessee employees whose tuition is covered by a fee waiver are responsible for purchasing their own materials. These materials will be used for several terms or a couple of years of foreign language classes and usually do not need to be purchased again until advanced levels – this is a one-time expense for most students.
Please note: Materials purchased from TFLI in advance will be reserved for you and held for pickup on the first day of class. Materials can only be returned if unopened and unused, even if TFLI cancels the class, so please wait until your selected class is confirmed (you will receive email notification of this shortly before the class start date) before picking up materials.
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