The Language Engagement Project (LEP) is a university-wide initiative that promotes meaningful engagement with languages, cultures, and multilingual communities across Rutgers University–New Brunswick.
Rather than viewing language learning as something that happens only in a classroom, the LEP encourages students to explore how language shapes human experiences, professional fields, academic disciplines, and community life. The project creates opportunities for students to engage with languages in ways that are experiential, interdisciplinary, and connected to the real world.
LEP offerings include:
- Interdisciplinary one-credit courses that explore language, culture, identity, and communication
- Language Exchanges that connect students who wish to learn from one another through reciprocal language practice
- Global Exchanges that foster intercultural dialogue and virtual international engagement
- Language Mentoring opportunities that support peer learning and leadership development
- Service-Learning Internships that allow students to apply their language skills in community organizations, schools, healthcare settings, and nonprofit agencies
- Innovative collaborations that connect language engagement to disciplines across the humanities, social sciences, natural sciences, professional schools, and community organizations
The LEP recognizes that students bring valuable linguistic and cultural knowledge to the university. By creating spaces where these experiences are valued and shared, the project helps students develop intercultural competence, communication skills, leadership capacity, and a deeper understanding of the multilingual world around them.
The LEP is more than a collection of courses and activities; it is a community dedicated to celebrating multilingualism, fostering meaningful connections, and preparing students to engage thoughtfully and effectively in diverse local and global contexts.