English Language Programs
The following ESL programs are held at the International Center at 21 University Circle.
Programs are open to ESL learners at U.Va. and in the local community.
Summer 2013: Combined Book and Conversation Group
Tuesdays, 12:00-2:00pm
June 4 - July 9
Participants gather informally for conversation and to read and discuss the readings. This is an opportunity to make friends, improve your English skills, learn about U.S. culture and exchange information with others about your own culture. The group is led by volunteers. No registration or fee is required.
Book Discussion Group
Tuesdays, 10:30 am - 12:00 pm
Fall 2013: September 3 - December 10
Spring 2014: January 14 - April 29
Participants read and discuss literature. This is an informal opportunity to improve English reading skills and your understanding of the English language. The group is led by volunteers. No registration or fee is required.
English Conversation Group
Tuesdays, 12:30 - 2:00 pm
Fall 2013: September 3 - December 10
Spring 2014: January 14 - April 29
Participants gather informally for conversation. This is an opportunity to make friends, improve your English skills, learn about U.S. culture and exchange information with others about your own culture. The group is led by volunteers. No registration or fee is required.
Culture and Customs in the U.S. - An Overview for English Language Learners
Thursdays, 11:30 am – 1:30 pm
Fall 2013: September 12 - November 21 (not meeting 10/24)
Spring 2014: January 30 - April 10 (not meeting 3/13)
Using articles from newspapers and magazines as a basis, the group explores American attitudes about contemporary topics such as education, marriage and family life, home ownership, religious traditions, politics, and business and social customs. Particular emphasis is on helping participants build new vocabulary and better understand idioms. Participants have opportunities to engage in discussion, ask questions, and explore cross-cultural differences and similarities. For intermediate to advanced English language learners. The group is led by a volunteer. No registration or fee is required.
Multiskills English For Speakers of Other Languages
Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:00–11:00 am
Fall 2013: September 9 - November 20 (not meeting 10/21 and 10/23)
Spring 2014: January 27 - April 9 (not meeting 3/10 and 3/12)
This class focuses on the areas of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation to reinforce listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for the intermediate to advanced student. Non-credit course fee for 40 hours of instruction is $200. Register on the first day of class (no preregistration required). Email questions to the CAELC instructor, Claudine O’Brien at co4d@virginia.edu.
Advanced Oral Communication
Thursdays, 9:00 - 11:00 am
Fall 2013: September 12 - November 21 (not meeting 10/24)
Spring 2014: January 30 - April 10 (not meeting 3/13)
This class is designed to help students already proficient in English to speak fluently, accurately, and with the rhythm and intonation patterns of American English. Students will learn phrasal verbs and review parts of speech through interactive tasks such as role-play, debate, and discussion. There is weekly written homework. Non-credit course fee for 20 hours of instruction is $150. Register on the first day of class (no preregistration required). Email questions to the CAELC instructor, Claudine O’Brien at co4d@virginia.edu.
**The University reserves the right to make changes to future course fees.
Other English Opportunities:
Opportunities listed below are provided for your information. They do not indicate an endorsement by the International Center and may not apply to your situation.
U.Va.’s Center for American English Language and Culture – classes and language consultants
Albemarle County Adult Education - classes
Charlottesville City Schools Adult Learning Center - classes and conversation groups
Piedmont Virginia Community College - classes
Speak! Language Center - individual lessons
IHP’s International Women’s Group – conversation partners