LBAT Programs

The School of Modern Languages offers special summer immersion programs in China, France, Germany, Japan, and a Spanish program featuring Mexico and Spain. The intensive summer programs in Languages for Business and Technology (LBAT) consist of six to eight weeks of study abroad in which classroom lessons in business, culture, and technology are combined with field work, cultural events, excursions, and visits to area businesses-all conducted in the target language.

In-country Immersion Program

Immersion in a country where the language is spoken greatly accelerates progress in language acquisition. It also provides the opportunity to absorb the practices of a unique cultural setting and to gain new perspectives on how other people think, act, and live in their own culture and language. The intensive summer LBAT program offers students instruction in Chinese, French, German, Japanese, and Spanish with an "applied" language perspective; while developing the ability to communicate effectively in daily living situations and specific professional settings, students use the language to learn about basic aspects of business culture, technology, and society and to understand the issues of local economies and global interdependence. The LBAT experience offers a unique opportunity for rapid growth in proficiency, to build a deeper appreciation for the cultures and lifestyle patterns of other peoples, and to make lifelong social and professional contacts.

Professional Site Visits

Class sessions of the LBAT program are supplemented by visits to a variety of area businesses and institutions such as chambers of commerce or stock exchanges. These professional visits provide students with firsthand experience of business life, the protocols and strategies of business transactions, and a heightened awareness of the current issues facing the economy of the host country. Typically, company tours are followed by question-and-answer sessions with company representatives.

Cultural Highlights

A varied cultural program is integral to each LBAT learning experience. Typical offerings consist of guided city tours, visits to museums and local attractions, and participation in cultural events or excursions. Check with individual programs for details.

Accommodations

Accommodations vary with each program and may consist of dormitories, apartments, hotels, or home stay arrangements.

Exploring the Internship Market and Study Possibilities

While spending time in the host country, students may explore possibilities for future study or work experiences. The School of Modern Languages can help students identify opportunities and assist
in finding further study or work experiences abroad.

Professional Examinations and Certificates

Upon students' return from the LBAT experience, they may wish to take a professional certificate examination. National language associations, chambers of commerce, and other entities of the host countries sponsor a variety of such general or business-specific language exams as a desirable qualification to complement the Georgia Tech degree. Contact the LBAT program director for your language.This
does not apply for all languages.

Cost

Program costs vary according to the country visited and the length of the program. Consult individual programs for price information, including tuition.Credits Credits of 9-12 semester hours at the 3000 level are awarded for completion of the LBAT program. These credits count toward a certificate or joint major with applicable programs. The Chinese program offers courses at the 1000 level and above.

Beyond the LBAT Program

The School of Modern Languages awards the following in each language for accumulation of language-study credit hours:

• a certificate with a general or business orientation (12 hours above 2000 level)
• a joint degree in International Affairs and Modern Languages (30 hours)