Learn Chinese at RPI & Explore Languages Across the Capital Region
Through cross‑registration, you can explore a wide range of language courses at partner colleges in the Capital Region. You can study French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Latin, and more at schools like Hudson Valley CC, Union College, Skidmore, and SUNY Albany.
Why Study Chinese at RPI?
RPI’s Chinese language program helps you build skills in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, while immersing you in Chinese culture.
- Courses range from introductory to advanced levels.
- Example: Chinese III expands vocabulary, grammar, and fluency.
- Placement options are available if you already have prior experience.
Cross-Registration Opportunities
RPI students can take courses at other colleges and universities in the Capital Region through the consortium agreement. This allows you to expand your academic options without paying additional tuition.
- Cost: Covered by RPI tuition (lab/activity fees may apply).
- Credits: Courses appear on your RPI transcript and count toward your degree.
- Eligibility: Must be full-time; no more than half your credits can be off-campus.
- Restrictions: You can’t take courses already offered at RPI or use cross-registration over the summer.
- Graduate Students: Courses must be pre-approved on your Plan of Study.
For more details, visit the RPI Registrar’s Cross‑Registration page.
Learning at RPI & Beyond
Through cross‑registration, you can explore a wide range of language courses at partner colleges in the Capital Region. You can study French, Spanish, Italian, German, Russian, Latin, and more at schools like Hudson Valley CC, Union College, Skidmore, and SUNY Albany.
Sample Courses
College | Course Code | Course Title | Credits |
Hudson Valley CC | CHNS 200 | Chinese Language & Culture III | 3 |
Hudson Valley CC | FREN 100–201 | French Language & Culture I–IV | 3 each |
Hudson Valley CC | ITAL 100–101 | Italian Language & Culture I–II | 3 each |
Hudson Valley CC | SPAN 100–202 | Spanish Language & Culture I–IV; Advanced Spanish Conversation | 3 each |
Russell Sage College | FRE 101, 201, 202 | Intro & Intermediate French I–II | 3 each |
Schenectady CCC | FRE 222 | Intermediate French I | 3 |
Schenectady CCC | SPA 121–224 | Elementary & Intermediate Spanish I–II | 3 each |
Skidmore College | WLF 203 | Intensive Intermediate French | 4 |
Skidmore College | WLS 206 | Communicating in Spanish I | 3 |
Union College | GER 100 | Basic German I | 1.0 |
Union College | SPN 100, 201 | Spanish for Beginners & Intermediate Learners | 1.0 each |
Union College | ANT 214 | Language and Culture | 1.0 |
Univ. at Albany (SUNY) | A CLL 102 | Elementary Latin II | 4 |
Univ. at Albany (SUNY) | A FRE 101–222Y | Beginning & Intermediate French I–II | 3–4 each |
Univ. at Albany (SUNY) | A ITA 103–104 | Intermediate Italian I–II | 3–4 each |
Univ. at Albany (SUNY) | A RUS 101–202 | Elementary & Intermediate Russian I–II | 3–5 each |
Univ. at Albany (SUNY) | A SPN 100–201 | Elementary & Intermediate Spanish I–II | 3–4 each |
To find more options, you can visit the websites of partner colleges or make use of the Transfer Course Guide.
Common Questions
No, but you can cross-register for many languages at partner colleges.
You may also transfer language courses.
No. Your RPI tuition covers consortium courses (fees may apply).
If you transfer courses, you will need to pay the tuition/fees for the other college.
Yes, remote options might be available through partner schools.
If you want to take language classes over the summer, you must transfer them because the consortium agreement is only available for fall and spring. Learn more!
Yes.
- Cross-registration: full-time status is required; max half your credits off-campus.
- Transferring courses: review restrictions here.
No. You can transfer the courses instead of completing a consortium agreement.
When must you transfer courses, instead of cross-register?
- Summer Courses: The consortium agreement is only available for fall and spring semesters.
- Colleges outside the Capitol Region: All colleges included in the agreement are local to RPI, such as The Sage Colleges, HVCC, and the University at Albany. You will find all options in the Catalog by searching "Cross-Registration."
Work with your Academic Advisor and submit the Cross-Registration Form.
