English as a Second Language (ESL) services at the University are offered through the Center for American English Language and Culture (CAELC). CAELC is charged both to provide leadership on issues related to ESL/intercultural communication and to help members of the University of Virginia community attain the level of linguistic and cultural proficiency needed for success at a research university in the United States. Visit this link for the CAELC 2010-2011 Fact Sheet.
VISAS Information
- For a video description of our VISAS program, check out this clip created by our VISAS Interns.
- To apply for a Spring 2012 VISAS volunteer position, please read the information contained here and then use this form: APPLY FOR A VOLUNTEER POSITION HERE.
- WANT TO PRACTICE YOUR ENGLISH? Are you an international undergraduate, graduate student, researcher, faculty, family member or staff member at UVA? Would you like to practice your English with a UVA student for one hour every week? Together you can have lunch, walk around grounds, meet for coffee, or explore Charlottesville! Register here: REGISTER FOR A LANGUAGE CONSULTANT HERE.
EAP 2012 Summer Program
Information and application materials for the Summer 2012 English for Academic Purposes program are now available. Visit this link for more information.
News, Events, and Vision:
News & Events
- UVELPE Test:
The UVELPE is required for all new, international graduate students who speak English as a Second Language. Faculty, researchers, staff, and scholars who wish to access ESL services at UVA should also take the exam. The spring 2012 administration of the UVELPE will take place on January 17, 2012 at noon in Minor Hall, room 125. Please contact caelc@virginia.edu to set up your appointment. - May SPEAK Test:
The spring 2012 administration of the SPEAK Test will take place on May 2, 2012. Please contact caelc@virginia.edu for more information. caelc@virginia.edu
About CAELC
Creation of the Center resulted from recommendations made by the Virginia 2020 Commission on International Activities and the Committee on the Future of ESL at the University of Virginia. CAELC is funded through the Office of the Vice President and Provost and is housed in the Office of Summer and Special Academic Programs in Dell 1 and Dell 2. CAELC is advised by a faculty council comprised of representatives from across the University. The Director of CAELC reports to the Vice Provost for Academic Programs.
CAELC partners include the Department of Anthropology, the Department of English, the Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the Darden Graduate School of Business Administration, the Curry School of Education, the McIntire School of Commerce, the School of Engineering and Applied Science, the School of Law, the Office of the Vice President for Research and Graduate Studies, the Teaching Resource Center, the Speech-Language-Hearing Center, the International Studies Office, the International Center, the Summer Language Institute, and the U.Va. Medical Center.
The Center for American English Language and Culture endorses the NAFSA Principles of International Educational Exchange and the TESOL Standards for Post Secondary Programs.