The Summer English Language Program is a two-week pre-orientation program that aims to equip incoming international graduate students for whom English is not a primary language with the language skills to feel confident and successful in navigating their academic contexts. By the end of the program, participants will practice social and academic English language skills in low-stakes contexts, receive direct and tailored feedback from English Language Support, connect with staff and university resources and services, and interact with other graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines.
The 2023 Summer English Language Program will be held in person on campus 9:00 am - 12:00 pm EST with optional afternoon activities and office hours, Monday-Friday, August 7-18, 2023. Apply to the program via this link!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is the program free?
Yes! The English Language Program (ELP) is a free and optional summer pre-orientation program for incoming international graduate students. It is offered in collaboration with the Graduate School and part of the free programmatic and individual supports provided by Writing and English Language Support (WELS) at Brown.
Materials, some lunches, and fees for any site visits will be provided. Participants should plan to secure their own housing and any transportation to and from the program site prior to the program start date.
What topics are covered?
The topics are formulated by considering the most frequently raised inquiries from international graduate students and the everyday communicative needs of students in their academic disciplines. Throughout the program, participants are oriented to key knowledge and skills for competent and confident participation in a range of essential academic communicative events and genres, including email writing, small talk, academic discussions in classrooms and research group meetings (RGM), relationship building with faculty/advisors, giving academic presentations, and writing with sources.
Are there any assessments or grades?
No! Since ELP is a support program and not a course, there are no assessments or grades. There are, however, multiple speaking and writing opportunities where participants can collaborate with peers and receive direct feedback from ELS staff.
Can I participate even if I might not be able to attend all the sessions?
Because ELP is an interactive learning experience with a maximum capacity of 25 students, we ask that participants dedicate the time from 9:00 am-12:00 pm ET, Monday-Friday, August 7-18 to the program. We hope that this time frame provides flexibility outside of the program for other commitments. You are welcome to share any information that may support your participation in the program in the “optional” section of the application form. Students who do not participate in the program may be interested in exploring other English Language Support options.
Important Dates (by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time)
June 1 ELP application closes
June 7 Invitations sent out to accepted participants
June 10 Deadline to confirm participation
August 7 ELP starts
Application
Master’s and Ph.D. students in any discipline who are beginning their academic programs on campus in Summer or Fall 2023 can use this Google Form to apply by 11:59 pm EST, June 1. Accepted participants will be sent an invitation email on June 7. Invitees will be asked to confirm their participation in the program via email by 11:59 pm EST, June 10. If you are unable to access the Google Form or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Joy Shuyuan Liu, Assistant Director of English Language Support, at [email protected].
