Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL)

Engage with your language of choice

The University of Minnesota offers over twenty-five local language programs, and hundreds of other languages are available through the CourseShare program. But what if the language of your heritage, culture, research or interest is missing, not available at the right level, or the courses alone are not sufficient to complete a language requirement? That is where Facilitated Interdependent Language Learning (FILL) steps in.

Introducing FILL

The FILL program gives University of Minnesota students the opportunity to study a language or language level that is not otherwise available to them. It is designed to ensure all students have access to their heritage language, language of research interest, and language of choice. This program is offered in partnership with the TandemPlus program, which aims at building a stronger language learning community on and off campus through language partnerships.

The program provides mentorship opportunities for students in a highly contextualized, technology-enhanced experiential learning context. It is geared towards increasing students’ opportunities for success, retention, and skills development, and providing communication practice in the target language.

Program Eligibility

FILL is open to University of Minnesota students in a degree-seeking program whose language and level is not already available locally or through CourseShare. It is also open when available class offerings alone are not sufficient for certification. It expands language-learning opportunities, but does not replicate offerings that are already available to students locally or through the CourseShare program. 

Examples of FILL

• Languages currently not available during the academic year locally or through CourseShare exchanges, such as Amharic, Karen, Lao and Telegu
• Language levels not available, such as fourth-year courses when neither the local program nor participating CourseShare universities offer this level
• One-credit course complements for three-credit language courses

Credit Course

The cornerstone of the program is LGTT 3993 Directed Language Learning with Technology, a variable credit directed study course taught by Language Center instructors, in tandem with target language experts, and more. The instructor for your course will provide you with an individualized study contract and a syllabus for the term. The number of credits awarded by the directed study will range from 1-3 depending on the number of contact hours per week between the instructor and student.

Getting started with FILL

1. See what's out there: Your language and level may already be available locally or through CourseShare.
2. Submit an inquiry: Someone will get back to you from the [email protected] email account within two business days.
3. Meet with the faculty: If FILL may be a fit for you, you’ll receive an invitation to meet to discuss.
4. Sign an individualized contract: You’ll sign a campus-wide directed research/studies contract developed with the faculty.
5. Register: Once the contract is approved, register for LGTT 3993 for the appropriate number of credits.