Multilingual and Language Support

Language Support

We are excited to offer language support in the Wingspan this year to assist you as you learn new languages! 

Languages and Consultants Currently Available

We have the following languages currently available. You can see a list of which Wingspan language consultants are available in each language. If the consultant can also work with you on writing projects, that is indicated. The languages available depend on hiring and may vary by semester.

  • Spanish (elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels)
    • Rocio (can also assist with graduate writing)
    • Alba (can also assist with undergraduate writing)
    • Audrey
  • Portuguese (elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels)
    • Rocio (can also assist with graduate writing)
  • Chinese (Mandarin) (elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels)
    • Nicole
  • Vietnamese (elementary, intermediate, and advanced levels)
    • Tracey (can also assist with undergraduate and graduate writing)

Who Can Book a Language Appointment 

You can book a language consultation if you:  

  • Enrolled in a language course at KU in one of the available languages. You can use these appointments for both writing and speaking skills.

  • Want to practice your speaking skills in one of the available languages or in English.

  • Want to speak to a consultant in one of the available languages. You can then work on writing in either English or that language during the appointment. In this case, please sign up for the advanced level of the language and fill out the pre-appointment survey so that ensure you are matched with the correct writing consultant.

  • Write in one of the available languages for projects outside of class, such as a personal statement for graduate school or a cover letter. In this case, please sign up for the advanced level of the language and fill out the pre-appointment survey so that ensure you are matched with the correct writing consultant.

Types of Appointments 

Language consultations are available as in-person or Zoom appointments. At this time, eTutoring will not be available for language appointments. Find more information on each type of appointment by clicking on the links: 

Language appointments will be 50 minutes long and follow the regular Wingspan policies. However, you will need to select the correct type of appointment when booking in Jayhawk GPS. 

How to Book a Language Appointment 

Follow the directions on the Wingspan's Appointments page to make an appointment. Under the question, "Which of the following topics best describes your need?" choose “Wingspan Language Support” and then "Intermediate Spanish" (or the appropriate language and level desired).

Additional Support for Multilingual Students

Multilingual students are welcome to use all of our writing consultations and services in addition to the language appointments described above. In all writing appointments:

Writing Consultants can help you by...

  • Listening to your concerns about writing and collaborating on a plan to address those concerns.
  • Discussing how you want to approach your assignments.
  • Talking about the organization and structure or your writing project.
  • Using writers handbooks to review and model grammar, punctuation, and documentation rules.
  • Showing you how to incorporate outside sources into your writing and properly cite those sources.
  • Explaining how to use vocabulary and idiomatic phrases in your writing.
  • Reviewing conventions of academic writing in North American colleges.

A typical writing consultation...

  • Lasts up to 50 minutes.
  • Begins with the consultant and writer collaboratively setting an agenda for the meeting.
  • Focuses on a 1-3 writing issues that you've prioritized.
  • Ends with the creation of a plan for the next steps you'll take to work on your own and the completion of a short report form.
  • Includes a follow-up survey sent to you via email after your appointment.

Resources

The websites below include resources for teachers of English as well as for students who are learning English. These websites include resources such as grammar lessons, pronunciation guides, dictionaries, and games.

The Applied English Center offers several Applied English Center Resources to students currently enrolled in their program, including the LEO Lab and The Point.

International Support Services keeps a list of campus and community resources that provide Conversational English Support (KUISS).