Language student immersion at Durham University for secondary/6th form pupils (flexible bookings from 12th January to 6th March 2026)
Pupils who are considering studying a foreign language at university and would like to experience what it is like being a language undergraduate are invited to join Durham University staff and language students at our campus.
Pupils will have a half-day programme of language related activities (2 pupils per visit). They will meet language students and share their experiences and get involved in task-based language classes in the languages they are studying or want to take at degree level.
Visits will be arranged directly with Durham University from 12th January t0 6th March, on dates and times agreed with participants. Bookings open from November 2025.
Who is it for?
- Languages teachers and their AS/A Level pupils (16+) from secondary schools and 6th form colleges, based in Newcastle, North Tyneside, Northumberland, Durham, Gateshead, North Tyneside and South Tyneside
- Safeguarding: Parental written consent to attend event on campus will be required. Participants will be accompanied by staff or dedicated Durham University language students throughout the duration of the event. The number of pupils will be limited to two per visit.
When will it happen?
- Language student immersion visits are available to book from 12th January to 6th March 2026. Teachers are recommended to book early as places will be limited (Note that bookings open from November 2025 for bookings).
- Participants will agree the date and time with the contact staff at Durham University School of Modern Languages and Cultures and will be provided with a schedule for their experience visit on campus.
- The visit will last half a day, with the starting and finishing time to be agreed between participants and the contact staff at Durham University.
What is the activity?
Language Student Immersion is a unique opportunity for sixth form pupils to attend language classes with university language students across a variety of activities and levels.
Each Sixth form participant will be offered a programme of classes linked to the languages they are studying or may wish to study at degree level for the date of the Language Student Immersion visit.
The visit may include activities such as translation, bilateral interpreting, listening comprehension, oral skills, area studies, grammar, etc. as well as conversations about what it is like being a language student at university and experiences of the year abroad. The activities on offer may differ depending on the date and languages agreed for the Language Student Immersion visit.
How do I get involved?
Places will be allocated based on availability of staff and students.
Contact Penny Johnson penelope.johnson@durham.ac.uk at Durham University to register interest in taking part in the Language Student Immersion and she will contact you with availability and to make any arrangements for pupils visiting.
Further information and links
- Durham School of Modern Languages and Cultures supports learning in Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hispanic Studies, Italian, Japanese, Russian, and the Centre for Foreign Language Study. The School also hosts the BA in Visual Arts and Film. Our community of academics, teachers and support staff aim to foster a world-class student experience in all our disciplines.
- The Centre for Foreign Language Study offers learners not taking a specialist degree in Modern Languages, including students, staff and members of the public, the opportunity to learn a range of languages from beginners to more advanced levels.
- The Helen Sharp Undergraduate Scholarship in Modern Languages is a scholarship to offer to a talented student from a low-income background.
Who is organising this?
- Durham University School of Modern Languages and Cultures
- Contact: Dr Penny Johnson
- Email: penelope.johnson@durham.ac.uk
