English Language Programs

Basic English Conversation
Tuesdays: 12:30 - 1:30 pm
U.Va. students, scholars, families and community participants gather informally for conversation. This is an opportunity for you to make friends, improve your English skills, learn about American culture and exchange information with others about your own culture. No registration or fee is required. The group meets at the IC during the academic year.
The first meeting of the spring semester is January 15, 2008.
The last meeting of the spring semester is May 13, 2008.

Advanced English Conversation
Tuesdays: 2:00-3:30 pm
In "Bridging Cultures," conversation topics will include current issues of general interest, which will be approached from a comparative cultural point of view. Participants should be prepared to talk about their own country as well as their experiences in the U.S. There is no fee but registration is required. The group meets at the IC during the academic year.
The first meeting of the spring semester is January 15, 2008.
The last meeting of the spring semester is May 13, 2008.

Book Discussion Group
Tuesdays: 10:30 am–12:00 noon
Participants read and discuss American literature. This is an informal opportunity to improve English reading skills and your understanding of the American language and culture. The group meets all year. No registation or fee is required. For more information, contact Margaret Hutchinson at (434) 973-5538.

ESL Computer Based Training
Improve your English skills at your convenience!
The IC has an ESL Computer Based Training Program for beginning, intermediate and advanced levels. The program is available for your use in the International Center's library Monday - Thursday 10:00 am to 4:00 pm and Friday 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm. To make an appointment call us at (434) 924-7983 or send email to intlctr@virginia.edu.

English Classes:
Classes are non-credit and begin in September and January.  . Register on the first day of class with instructor, Claudine O’Brien: 979-2771.  Classes are offered through U.Va.’s School of Continuing and Professional Studies.   

Advanced Level 1: 9:00–10:30a.m. Monday and Wednesday for ten weeks.  Course fee is $150.  This course focuses on the areas of vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation to reinforce listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills for the advanced student. The current class is running from January 28 through April 2, 2008.

Advanced Oral Expression: 10:30a.m.–12:00p.m.  Monday and Wednesday for ten weeks.   Course fee is $150.  This course focuses on improving fluency. Students practice communication skills and express their feelings and opinions through group discussions.  All conversation skills are practiced and grammar is reviewed when needed. The current class is running from January 28 through April 2, 2008.

TOEFL Preparation: 9:30-11:30a.m.
Thursdays for eleven weeks. Course fee is $130.  This course prepares students for the comprehensive TOEFL exam. Students will learn appropriate skills and test-taking strategies to improve their performance on the test. This small class setting provides the students with many opportunities to practice their language skills and ask questions. The current class is running from January 24 through April 3, 2008.

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Other Opportunities in the Charlottesville Area:

Classes:
Adult Education, Albemarle County Public Schools
Adult Learning Center, Charlottesville City Schools
Piedmont Virginia Community College

Tutors:
Literacy Volunteers, Charlottesville/Albemarle
International Women's Group

For U.Va. students:
U.Va.'s Center for American English Language & Culture