Lithuanian

About BALSSI

1 year of language in 2 months

The Baltic Studies Summer Institute provides intensive online instruction in Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian. Courses are designed to help you develop speaking, listening, reading, and writing skills quickly. You will complete 1 full year of language training in only 2 months. Classes are conducted primarily in the language of study and emphasize the development of real-time interpersonal communication skills.

BALSSI courses meet 18 hours per week in live online classes with an instructor and with other students. After class you will complete 2-3 hours of independent study to prepare for the next day’s class. You can also take part in interactive, real-time cultural activities with visiting scholars, performers, and practitioners.

As a BALSSI participant, you will be part of a diverse group of talented language learners, including advanced high-school students, undergraduates, graduate students, scholars, professionals, and others. People join BALSSI for a range of academic, professional, and personal reasons, but are united in their strong interest in learning the language and increasing their understanding of the Baltic region.

BALSSI's small class sizes, expert instructors, and highly motivated students of provide a stimulating setting for you to develop your oral and written communication skills rapidly.

BALSSI is challenging, but it is one of the most effective and most exciting ways to learn Estonian, Latvian, or Lithuanian rapidly.

We look forward to welcoming you to BALSSI this summer!

Class Dates: June 1 – July 31, 2026

Online Class Times: Monday – Friday, 11:00am-2:30pm, eastern daylight time

For full list of important dates, see the: General Program Handbook

PRICE ESTIMATE FOR BALSSI COURSES ($830)

  • Language Workshop Estimated Tuition - $0*
  • BALSSI Program Fee - $830

*Due to generous support from the Association for the Advancement of Baltic Studies, Estonian, Latvian, and Lithuanian courses are tuition free, but have a BALSSI program fee. In addition, degree-seeking IU students are also subject to a $590 IU Student Services Fee.

All rates on this page are estimates and are subject to change.Consult https://academics.iu.edu/fees for current, official fees and costs.

  • Undergraduate Credit
    • BALSSI courses offer 8 undergraduate credits.
    • Courses must be taken for credit. There is no audit option.

  • Graduate Credit
    • IU graduate students receive 6 graduate credits.
    • Non-IU participants may petition to receive graduate credit.
      • Approval is not automatic.
      • Graduate application fees apply.
      • Official transcripts are required
      • IU cannot guarantee that your home university will accept graduate credit.
      • Write to languageworkshop@iu.edu to schedule a credit advising session.

  • Live Instruction: 18 hours/week, 144 hours total
  • Independent Work: 10-15 hours/week, 120 hours total
  • Cultural activities: 30-60 min/week, 5-10 hours total
  • Transcript: Available at end of program

This course is open to all, including:

  • Students from Indiana University
  • Students from other universities and colleges
  • Graduate, undergraduate, and community college students
  • Lifelong learners
  • High school students who are age 16+ on day 1 of the program