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How will my language proficiency be measured prior to the start of the program? Will someone schedule a phone interview with me?
Please direct this inquiry to: Boren@iie.org or BorenSAFLI@iie.org
Where can I find syllabus, credit value, or course descriptions for the SAFLI Summer Domestic program?
Click the link SASLI Hindi and Urdu Syllabi for summer session syllabus information.
For credit information, please click on the link: Credits.
Where can I find syllabus, credit value, or course description or the SAFLI Fall Abroad program?
You will receive 12 credits from the UW-Madison for the fall abroad program, 8 will be language credits and 4 will be in a readings course.
For credit/course information, please click on the link: Credits
You can also refer to the American Councils SAFLI website for additional information.
SAFLI-Hindi — Language Flagship Initiative (americancouncils.org)
What books will I be using during the program?
Summer Domestic Program
Elementary Hindi
- Beginning Hindi: A Complete Course – Joshua Pien and Fauzia Faroozui ISBN-13: 978-1626160224 or ISBN-10: 1626160228
Intermediate Hindi
- Spoken Hindi in Social Context (A Book of Situational Conversation for Enhancing Proficiency). By Mithilesh Mishra and Awadesh Mishra. 2016, Lakshi Publishers. New Delhi. Available for purchase on the first day of SASLI (before class).
Advanced Hindi
- Theme Based Vocabulary and Affixes of Hindi. By Mithilesh Mishra and Awadesh Mishra. 2010. Lakshi Publishers. New Delhi. Available from Center for South Asia, University of Wisconsin, Madison.
- Spoken Hindi in Social Context (A Book of Situational Conversation for Enhancing Proficiency). By Mithilesh Mishra and Awadesh Mishra. 2016. Lakshi Publishers. New Delhi. Available from Center for South Asia, University of Wisconsin, Madison
- Advanced Hindi Grammar. Usha Jain. 2007. Available from University of California at Berkeley or at Amazon.
- A Course Packet prepared by the instructor (Mithilesh Mishra). Available for purchase from SASLI office.
Urdu Textbooks
Elementary Urdu
- Beginning Urdu: A Complete Course – Fauzia Farooqui and Joshua Pien ISBN: 978-1589017788
- Let’s Study Urdu: An Introduction to the Script – Syed Akbar Hyder and Ali Asani ISBN: 978-0300120608
- Essential Urdu Dictionary – Timsal Masud ISBN: 978-1444795523
Intermediate Urdu
- Let’s Study Urdu: An Introductory Course – Ali Asani and Syed Akbar Hyder. ISBN-13: 978-0300114003 or ISBN-10: 0300114001. Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Lets-Study-Urdu-Introductory-Language/dp/0300114001
Recommended: At least one dictionary
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- English-Urdu and Urdu-English Combined Dictionary – Abdul Haq. Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/English-Urdu-Urdu-English-Combined-Dictionary-Abdul/dp/8176500321
- Essential Urdu Dictionary – Timsal Masud. Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Essential-Dictionary-Learn-Teach-Yourself/dp/144479552X
- Oxford Urdu-English Dictionary – S.M. Salimuddin, Suhail Anjum, Rauf Parekh and Tariq Mahmud. Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-Urdu-English-Dictionary-S-M-Salimuddin/dp/019597994X
- Oxford English-Urdu Dictionary – Shaun Haq Haqqee. Available on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/Oxford-English-Urdu-Dictionary-Shanul-Haqqee/dp/0195793404
Fall Abroad Program
- Hindi students in Jaipur will use two books by Usha Jain: Introduction to Hindi Grammar and Advanced Hindi Grammar, in concert with materials developed by the teachers. In the beginning of the AIIS portion of the program the teachers provide students with the introductory book as it helps strengthen the foundation provided by SASLI. After completing the lessons in the first book students move on to the second book, also provided by the Institute, in which they tackle more complex grammar topics. The materials used along with the textbooks range from film vocabulary sheets to articles and stories with prepared vocabulary attached, minimal pairs workbooks and other supplements prepared by the Institute.
Is it necessary to purchase the books or could I rent these books from the university library or other sources, if possible?
You will need to purchase the books required for your classes. Language learning textbooks can always be used in the future as reference materials. The textbooks are only available for purchase on Amazon.com or at the University Book Store:
University Book Store
711 State St.
Madison, WI 53703
How many credits will I receive at the end of this Program?
You can refer to the below link.
https://safli.wisc.edu/credits/
Do the courses in the summer and fall have designations (e.g., course department, course number, and course titles) that can be used in the paperworks for transferring credits?
You can refer to our Credits page and view the Academic Notes there.
When will I receive my first disbursement from Boren?
Please direct this inquiry to: BorenSAFLI@iie.org
Where can I see itemized breakdowns of my Summer and Fall Awards?
You can refer to the below link.
https://safli.wisc.edu/cost/
For additional questions relating to budgeting, please contact the SAFLI office: safli@lpo.wisc.edu
Will I incur any fines if I wait to receive my award before I pay my tuition?
If you have not received your Boren Award, you will not receive late fees or other fines for not paying your tuition in time.
Please inform UW-Madison to let us know there is a delay in the funding disbursement.
Where can I find housing in Madison? Will university housing be available for SAFLI students during the summer program?
SAFLI students will be offered summer housing in Barnard Hall.
You can refer to the below link for additional information.
Will the dorms in Madison have cooking capabilities and general amenities?
Barnard Hall is equipped with two shared kitchen facilities which students are able to use. Residents will be able to borrow cooking utensils from the registration desk at Chadbourne Residence Hall (adjacent to Barnard Hall), but they may need to purchase their own dishes and silverware. Additionally, Barnard Hall is home to a dining hall for students who choose to purchase a dining plan.
Barnard Hall is equipped with air conditioning units. Rooms have wireless internet coverage and are wired for Cable TV service; however, they are not equipped with telephone or land line service. Laundry costs $2.50 per load; dryers are free. Laundry facilities are located on the lower-level Barnard Hall.
You can refer to the below link.
Barnard Residence Hall – University Housing – UW–Madison (wisc.edu)
When should I arrive to University of Wisconsin-Madison campus? What day will I be able to move into the dorms?
You should arrive to Madison before the official program start date.
Move-in Date for 2024 summer program: June 16, 2024
When should I leave the University of Wisconsin-Madison campus? What day should I leave the dorms?
Move-out Date for 2024 program: August 10, 2024
What, if any, parameters or restrictions are there in terms of having visitors or guests at UW-Madison housing?
You can refer to the Guests and Visitors section in the link below:
https://www.housing.wisc.edu/residence-halls/life/expectations/
Will my pet be able to live with me in the dorms?
All pets other than fish in a 20 gallon or smaller tank are prohibited, with the exception of approved Emotional Support Animals (ESA) or Service Animals.
Where can I find the necessary information for applying for an Indian visa?
We advise students to wait to receive specific SAFLI program visa application guidelines including instructions from American Councils, who will be handling your visa application process.
Please do not apply for the Indian visa on your own before you obtain those guidelines. American Councils will be contacting you with that information.
When will I know who I will be staying with in India?
During your registration with American Councils for the overseas program, you will complete a homestay preference form which American Councils and AIIS will use to match you with the right family. Once this process is completed, American Councils will send you detailed information about your host family before your arrival in India.
Should I get vaccinations through my physician for my travel to India?
Yes, you should get all your vaccinations through your physician or travel clinic. Please be sure to discuss with your doctor about other vaccinations listed on the CDC website for India.
Boren awardees are expected to follow CDC guidance as well as adhere to local requirements in their host country. The American Institute of Indian Studies (AIIS) in Lucknow and Jaipur, India requires all foreigners entering the AIIS programs to show proof of COVID-19 vaccination.
What options do I have if I wish to stay in country for the Spring semester?
Boren encourages fellows and scholars to remain in country for the spring semester. You should identify your spring semester plan in the Boren application. For Boren Scholars, this will generally be a different study abroad program such as the UW-Madison affiliated UW in India program.
For Boren Fellows, this will generally be a university, an academic internship, or a research project (with a university affiliation). Both Boren Scholars and Fellows must have a plan that will allow them to continue studying the language.
Is a university affiliation mandatory if I wish to stay in country for the spring semester?
Yes, university affiliation mandatory if you wish to stay in country for the spring semester. You can maintain your UW-Madison affiliation and health insurance if you join the UW in India program. However, if you are interested in a different study abroad program, academic internship, or research project, you will need to seek different affiliation and health insurance.
How can I get a transcript for my summer and fall courses?
Is there parking available on campus?
Parking on campus is extremely limited. SAFLI does not recommend driving to campus every day.
If this is your only option for transportation, you can try contacting Transportation Services at UW-Madison to arrange for a parking permit.
You can also view accessible parking and transportation resources at UW-Madison.
The City of Madison has an extensive bus network that you can access with a complementary bus pass. Additionally, there are several bus lines on-campus that can be accessed without a bus pass.
Where are classes held on campus?
Classes can be assigned in a variety of different buildings, but we attempt to keep them as centralized as possible. The SAFLI office is located in the Pyle Center, and all classes are usually within 5-20 minutes walking distance from the office. Typical buildings for classes include: Van Hise Hall, Ingraham Hall, Sewell Social Sciences Building, Van Vleck Hall, Sterling Hall, Chamberlin Hall, DeLuca Biochemistry Building, Microbial Sciences Building, and the School of Social Work Building.
You can use the SAFLI office address (L50 Pyle Center, 702 Langdon St.) as your home base for figuring out how far you will have to travel for classes and activities. Find us on the campus map!
Important Links

“I loved spending the summer in Madison with so many others who were excited to be learning languages – it might be the best place outside of India to really improve your Hindi!”
SAFLI 2017 Student