Summer East Asian Language Studies (SEALS) offers an intensive and immersive program designed to accelerate students’ language proficiency and cultural understanding in a short period of time. SEALS courses combine daily live instruction on core linguistic structures with guided cultural activities that situate language use in meaningful social contexts.
SEALS emphasizes learning through the real-life use of language, integrating textbook study with sustained communicative practice. Students engage in interactive classes, individual and group meetings, and structured independent study that move beyond isolated examples toward purposeful communication. Language is treated not as an abstract system, but as a set of communicative practices deeply embedded in culture.
This demanding program requires focus, consistency, and active participation. In return, students can expect rapid progress, particularly in listening and speaking proficiency, alongside steady development in reading and writing skills. Depending on the course and circumstances, SEALS programs may be delivered fully or partially in synchronous and asynchronous online formats.
Japan
The 2026 SEALS Japanese program is a 12-week intensive program offering JPNSE 0001 and JPNSE 0002, which together constitute a full year of Japanese language instruction.
JPNSE 0001 runs from May 18 to June 27, and JPNSE 0002 runs from June 29 to August 8. Classes meet Monday through Friday and are conducted synchronously via Zoom. Students participate in approximately three hours of live instruction per day, with scheduled breaks between classes and a one-hour lunch break. In addition to class time, students should expect to spend approximately one to two hours preparing for each class session, including required independent study and assignments.
Students enrolled in both JPNSE 0001 and JPNSE 0002 are strongly encouraged to apply for SEALS scholarships. For eligibility requirements and application details, please see the SEALS Japan Scholarships 2026 section below.
Information on admission and registration at the University of Pittsburgh for summer courses can be found here: https://www.as.pitt.edu/summer-sessions. Registration begins February 16, 2026.
If you have any questions about the SEALS Japanese program, please contact Sachiko T. Howard.
Chinese
The Chinese section will offer CHIN0083 “Intercultural Communication in Chinese” (3-credit, asynchronous, June 15-July 11) and CHIN 1007 "Chinese for Health Professionals" (1-credit, in-person, July 13- Aug 8). For more information, please contact Yi Xu.
Korea
SEALS Korean offers intensive 12-week Korean language courses equivalent to one year of First-Year Korean 1 & 2 (KOREAN 0001 & 0002) for beginners and Second-Year Korean 1 & 2 (KOREAN 0003 & 0004). After successful completion of the program, students may enroll in upper-level courses in the fall semester.
Beginning Korean 1 & 2 (KOREAN 0011 & 0012) are also offered with a lighter workload for busy learners. Together, the two courses are equivalent to KOREAN 0001: First-Year Korean I.
All courses are delivered asynchronously online. If you have any questions, please contact Mi-Hyun Kim at kimmh@pitt.edu.
Summer 2026 KOREAN 0001-0004 Course Flyer
Summer 2026 KOREAN 0011-0012 Course Flyer
SEALS Japan Scholarships
EALL has a number of tuition awards to enable first and second year students to take SEALS Japan.
The online application for SEALS Japan tuition awards can be accessed here. The deadline to apply for a SEALS Japan tuition award for 2026 is March 14, 2026.
SEALS Japan Scholarship 2026 Application Notes
1. Submission of the application form does not constitute an obligation to accept the award. The applicant will be notified by email regarding whether they have or have not been selected for an award, and if selected the nature of that award. Applicants who fail to respond to this email within 7 days will forfeit their award.
2. While the scholarship covers the full cost of tuition for the SEALS summer language program, fees, materials, and other costs associated with participation in the program are not covered by the scholarship.
3. The funds allocated towards the SEALS summer language program tuition will be applied directly to tuition.
4. Students who drop out of the program will forfeit any awards and will be responsible for any fees they have incurred.
5. If an applicant is awarded funding from another source and is also awarded a SEALS tuition scholarship, the SEALS scholarship will cover any difference remaining in tuition after the other scholarship funds have been applied.
6. It is possible for an applicant to be awarded a partial scholarship or award.
7. All awards are contingent upon approval of funding.
8. Upon completion of the program, awardees will be asked to submit a brief statement regarding how the scholarship contributed to helping them achieve their academic/professional goals.
