Programs for Adults
English as a Second Language
- Jump down this page to:
- Background on Program
- Why Apply?
- Organization of the Program
- Course Descriptions
- Tuition & Fees
- Scholarships & Financial Aid
- Forms & Information to Download
- Registration
Background on Program
International students and professionals from around the world who want to improve their English fluency and learn more about American culture will enjoy these courses focused on improving speaking, listening, reading comprehension, grammar, and writing skills. Classes are open to both University and outside students or community members.
Why Apply?
- The program offers you the chance to:
- Improve your English Skills
- Become more confident and comfortable in your abilities
- Meet other international students
Organization of Program
Classes are offered in the fall, spring and summer.
- Fall 2008:
- U.S. Culture and Society I Conversation, Grammar, and Reading: September 30 - November 13, TR 6:30 – 8:00 p.m
- Teaching in American Universities: September 9 - October 23, TR 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.
- Pronunciation and Accent Reduction: October 27 - December 10, MW 6:30 - 8:00 p.m. + 2 additional classes TBA
- Spring 2009:
- U.S. Culture and Society I Conversation, Grammar, and Reading: January 20 – March 3, TR 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- U.S. Culture and Society II: March 17 – April 30, TR 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- Pronunciation and Accent Reduction: February 2 – March 25, MW 6:30 – 8:00 p.m.
- Summer 2009:
- Intensive English Program: General Skills & Teaching Assistants: July 28 - August 22, M-F from 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Course Descriptions
- U.S. Culture and Society I: Conversation, Grammar and Reading
- This course is for nonnative speakers of English who wish to improve their speaking and listening proficiency and review basic English grammar, reading, and writing skills. Classes are organized around directed conversations about relevant topics in U.S. culture and society.
- U.S. Culture and Society II
- A continuation of CAS 082, with additional topics of discussion and more advanced language. May be taken separately.
- Teaching in American Universities
- This course is designed for nonnative graduate teaching assistants. The course concentrates on improving pronunciation and presentation in the classroom and explores problems that nonnative teaching assistants face in American classrooms. Students prepare several presentations for class, and critique several others in a workshop environment.
- Pronunciation and Accent Reduction
- This course emphasizes the pronunciation of vowels and consonants of English as well as the principles of intonation, rhythm, and stress in the English language. Students should have a moderate to advanced level of English fluency and proficiency in conversational speech.
- Summer Intensive English Program
- The intensive English course has students at all levels (beginning, intermediate and advanced) working five days a week, six hours a day, for four weeks, to improve their English skills. Instructors teach pronunciation and conversation, reading comprehension, composition, structure, and vocabulary. Class size is limited, ensuring excellent teacher-student interaction and individual attention. Activities (tours to local agencies, businesses, and museums) expose students to American culture and provide opportunities to practice spoken English with native speakers. Students from all walks of life (undergraduates, graduates and professionals, etc.), representing a wide variety of countries, make the course exciting and mandate that English become the common language during the program. A graduation certificate is awarded to all students who successfully complete the Intensive English Program. Students choose from two distinct courses in this program: “English as a Second Language: General Skills” or “English as a Second Language: Teaching Assistants.”
Tuition and Fees
- Fall 2008 fees:
- U.S. Culture and Society I Conversation, Grammar, and Reading, $275
- Teaching in American Universities, $275
- Pronunciation and Accent Reduction, $365
- Spring 2009 fees:
- U.S. Culture and Society I Conversation, Grammar, and Reading, $275
- U.S. Culture and Society II, $275
- Pronunciation and Accent Reduction, $365
Scholarships or Financial Aid
No scholarships or financial aid are available for this program.
Forms and Information Available to Download
- UR Fall/Spring Registration form
- UR Summer Registration Form and Financial Form
- Intensive English UR Application Form for the UR Community
(UR Undergraduates, Graduates, Faculty, and Staff) - Intensive English Application Form and Visa Application Form for the General Public
Student Registration Process
- To register for the fall or spring:
- Complete the standard registration form.
Submit the completed form to the Bursar’s Office with payment (this can be in the form of a credit card, check, or Graduate 506 form)
Application Deadline: Prior to the start date of each class.
- IF you need a Visa:
- Download the Intensive English Application Form for the General Public.
- Fill out the Visa application form located on the third page of the Intensive English Application Form for the General Public.
- Download the appropriate registration forms in the Forms and Information to Download section above.
- Include full payment
- Include a copy of your passport
- Include your notarized bank statement
Application Deadline (for students who need a Visa): TBA
- IF you do not need a Visa (this includes if your department is issuing you a visa):
- Download the appropriate registration forms in the Forms and Information to Download section above.
- Include full payment
- IF you are an incoming UR student, please notify your department. They will need to change the arrival date on your I-20 form.
Application Deadline (for students who do NOT need a Visa): TBA
**Please note: Summer housing is not included in this program. If you are an incoming residential undergraduate or graduate student, you may contact residential life to find out about possible housing. If you will not be a student at UR in the fall, housing is not available.
Online registration is currently unavailable for ESL.
