If you are a native, near-native, or heritage speaker of a language other than English, you may place out of the general education foreign language requirement at VCU.  Please check with your academic advisor for your program's specific foreign language requirements to verify if this option applies to your major.

Please keep in mind that placing out of a foreign language does not signify that you will receive academic credit or a grade for the levels achieved. Only the foreign language requirement will be fulfilled.

In order to place out of a foreign language not taught or tested at VCU, you may follow these steps:

Step 1

Language proficiency should be assessed by an individual qualified to evaluate your reading, writing, speaking, and listening comprehension abilities. A qualified assessor of language proficiency must:

• be fluently bilingual in the target language and English
• hold a 4-year degree (minimum), unless the assessor is an embassy representative, consulate or other recognized international agency
• not be a family member of the student.
• list a US address and current contact information where he/she can be reached for verification.

Step 2

The assessor needs to complete the language assessment form and submit it to:

The School of World Studies Academic Advising Office
School of World Studies
Lafayette Hall
312 North Shafer Street
Richmond, VA 23284-2021,

Remember, the language assessment letter needs to be signed by the assessor and detailed contact information must be provided.

Step 3
The SWS Advising Office will provide a verification form for your advisor within five business days of receiving the language assessment letter. Please note, it is your responsibility to relay the verification form to your academic advisor.

If you have difficulty finding a qualified language assessor, please contact the SWS Advising Office.