We're here to help! Email us at alteclanguageclasses@colorado.edu if you can't find the answer to your question below.
Classes are fun and non-credit, with an emphasis on conversation. We create spaces where students feel comfortable learning and making mistakes. There are no tests, required homework or grades. Read what our students have to say! Plus, you can get a feel for our online learning platform, Canvas, in our FREE ALTEC Foundations course to learn the basics in 7 languages.
Each week you will engage in two sessions of live learning with the instructor and other students (classes are generally capped at 15 students). This class time is structured with interactive conversation activities and games.
Additional learning material is hosted in Canvas (an online learning platform) for you to complete at your convenience. These out-of-class activities include discussion forums and practice quizzes, and utilize technology tools that are free and easy to use (no experience needed). Your instructor will guide you on how to access and interact with these engaging platforms. Enrolled students have access to all course content for a full month after the class ends.
Not sure which level is appropriate? View our placement guide for assistance.
Yes! These engaging evening classes are perfect for undergraduate students who have already completed their language requirement to graduate but cannot accommodate more credits in their class schedule. These classes are non-credit with no tests or grades, and our students are highly motivated to learn new languages and cultures for use in their profession, social life and travels.
Please note that our language classes are for enrichment only and students do not receive a certificate of completion. Students seeking credit to fulfill their degree or graduation requirements can enroll in for-credit language courses through CU departments.
You might be surprised how quickly you fall in love with language learning, at which point you should consider taking for-credit courses to pursue a language major, minor or certificate! More information about for-credit language courses and degree programs can be found on the corresponding CU department website.
Those not affiliated with CU Boulder can enroll in for-credit courses through the following Continuing Education programs:
- ACCESS enables non-degree students to take Boulder main campus undergraduate or graduate courses for personal or professional development.
- The High School Concurrent Program is intended for high school students interested in the challenge of completing college courses at the University of Colorado Boulder.
- The Community Auditors program allows you the opportunity to attend university classes for no academic credit.
- The Senior Auditors program is open to Colorado residents ages 55 and over.
We welcome motivated teenagers age 16 or older to enroll in ALTEC language classes. Please note that these classes are designed for adult learners and may include adult topics, for example how to order wine at a restaurant. A parent or guardian must complete the ALTEC Language Classes Release Statement prior to the youth registering for classes.
ALTEC policies have been reviewed by the CU Boulder Youth Programs Coordinator. Our faculty have completed the Promoting Safe Interactions with Youth training and have received guidelines to follow when minors are enrolled in their class.
As our regular classes meet for a total of 20 hours, your learning is fully dependent on attending as many sessions as possible. We appreciate your commitment not only to your own learning, but also to your classmates who depend on your presence to practice the language during pair and group work activities.
Remote classes are taught on Zoom.
Here are a few options for parking, but you can also take the bus to Broadway and Euclid (stops 12432 & 12433). For up-to-date parking maps and pricing, visit the Parking & Transportation website.
- The Euclid parking garage is an hourly pay-to park option and typically has space available.
- Lot 204 is in front of the Euclid garage and lot 208 is closest to our building. Both are available after 5pm. Note that lot 208 is also used by museum visitors, and may be full.
- Lot 306 is about a 10–15 minute walk from CASE, where we've relocated the HIVE, and is the next closest hourly pay-to-park option.
- Alternatively, you can potentially find free street parking on the streets south of CASE or to the west on the Hill.
No, you don't need a textbook to take an ALTEC class! ALTEC language classes use Canvas, an online learning platform, to host the class syllabus, documents, online links, interactive games and assignments, discussion boards, practice quizzes and communication with the instructor. We believe using this robust online learning management system allows a high degree of flexibility. This is integral to our program, as our classes are customized to meet our students' unique learning needs. Want to get a feel for what Canvas is like? Check it out in our FREE ALTEC Foundations course to learn the basics in 7 languages.
ALTEC students are enrolled in the Canvas course prior to the start of class. Those not affiliated with the CU Boulder campus are asked a few additional questions during the registration process in order to issue them a CU IdentiKey and thus allow them to also be enrolled in the Canvas course.
Instructors may recommend learning guides or provide other resources; at the same time, students are not required to purchase materials. Students enrolled in ALTEC language classes also have access to a large collection of language learning materials from The HIVE @ALTEC. Contact your instructor if you have specific questions.
All class sessions will be recorded and made available in Canvas only to students enrolled in that course. ALTEC recognizes that life happens, and don't want you to miss out on class time. We also find this is helpful for any learner wishing to review class explanations or discussions. You will have access to Canvas and these recordings for a full month after the course ends.
We encourage you to reach out to your instructor if you have questions or need extra support throughout the duration of your course.
ALTEC in-person and remote classes follow the same weather and emergency policies as CU Boulder's main campus. ALTEC classes will not be canceled unless main campus closes early or for the entire day. If class should be canceled due to instructor emergency or illness, the instructor will email the students directly. If any class should be canceled, the instructors will communicate with students to see whether an additional class can be scheduled.
How to find information in an emergency
- On your mobile device—Watch for text or e-mail alerts in the case of a campus closure or if there is a threat to personal safety.
- On your computer—Watch for alert pop-ups on your computer for information regarding campus safety - download the Alertus software.
- On the web—Visit alerts.colorado.edu for detailed campus closure and emergency information and updates.
- On the phone—Call the campus info line at 303-492-INFO (4636) for recorded information and updates relating to campus alerts.
- By e-mail—Check your official university e-mail after an emergency for support and resource information.
- On social media—Like CU Boulder on Facebook and follow @cuboulder and @cuboulderalerts on Twitter.
ALTEC is committed to keeping our classes affordable and accessible to all. Tuition for our regular semester classes is $275 and our classes are open to adults worldwide! CU affiliates (current faculty, staff and students) receive a $50 discount.
The ALTEC language classes program was initially set up as a type of benefit for CU personnel. As part of the university's internationalization efforts, this program receives a small amount of financial support from the Office of the Provost and Executive Vice Chancellor for Academic Affairs, which enables us to subsidize the tuition for CU affiliates during our regular semester classes. We welcome alumni, retirees, spouses, dependents and all others to register at our standard rate.
Payment with credit card is required at the time of registration. This payment will appear on your credit card statement as "UNIV OF COLORADO EVENTS." Please email alteclanguageclasses@colorado.edu if you need to use an alternative payment method or if you or your organization is interested in providing a tuition subsidy for employees and/or members.
The University of Colorado is committed to providing universal access to all of our classes and events. To start a converstaion about your access needs and potential accommodations (e.g., sign language interpreters, alternative formats, etc.) please email alteclanguageclasses@colorado.edu. Advance notice is necessary to arrange for some accessibility needs.
Some students choose to register with Disability Services. To do so, please first submit an Application for Accommodations as soon as possible.
You may contact us by the Thursday before classes begin to either use your paid tuition in the following term or request a refund minus a $50 processing fee. In all other cases tuition is non-refundable.
Gift certificates are non-refundable and must be redeemed within one year of purchase.
If the class you signed up for is too simple or difficult, you may switch to another class offered during the same semester or another language, if space is available. View our placement guide for assistance with selecting the appropriate level. You may also contact the instructor for further guidance.
In the rare event of a canceled class, students will be notified by email on the Thursday before the start of classes and tuition will be refunded.
The International English Center provides English language classes, including a program for front-line service employees at the University of Colorado Boulder.