Thatcher Language House

A unique opportunity to speak a foreign language and share cultural activities in a residence hall setting, available to students from freshman through senior year.

To apply for a program, go to its page and download the appropriate application, fill it out and email or mail it to:

thatcher-language@acad.umass.edu
Residential Academic Programs
101 Thatcher House
University of Massachusetts
Amherst, MA 01003-1099

Acceptance is contingent upon available slots and approval.

Thatcher Programs:

The Thatcher Language House offers the opportunity to live in a residence hall dedicated to learning a target language and exploring foreign cultures. In this hall of 120 students, the majority are a part of one of the six Language Programs. To see where Thatcher House is located click here.

Each of the language programs --Chinese, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish-- occupies a floor which includes its own classroom/lounge. Students meet there to socialize in the language, and regularly during the week for a specially-designed two credit conversation/culture course. An experienced graduate student from the Language Department teaches the course and organizes social and cultural activities.

For example, Japanese language students take part in a Japanese tea ceremony, host an authentic Japanese dinner, and learn calligraphy. Chinese language students celebrate the Chinese New Year. Spanish-speaking students learn to cook paella in the house kitchen, while German language students celebrate Karnival and keep up with events in unified Germany. French language students, as well Italian language students, view films from France or Italy and role-play everyday situations in contemporary life.

If you are interested in joining the Thatcher Language Program, click here to view requirements to see if you qualify.