Summer EAP 
English for Academic Purposes - Summer 2013
English for Academic Purposes (EAP) is an intensive language and culture
course, designed for non-native speakers of English who have been admitted
to an undergraduate or graduate degree program at the University of Virginia.
Prospective U.Va. research associates/visiting scholars are also eligible
for the program. Additionally, the EAP program is willing to consider applicants who are not affiliated with U.Va., but who are desirous to improve their study of Academic English; such applicants are considered on a case-by-case basis. Participants fine-tune the language skills required for
success in U.S. higher education through exercises in academic writing,
academic reading and vocabulary development, listening comprehension and
note-taking, classroom discussion strategies, and presentation skills.
Throughout the EAP program, participants work with content from their
intended field of study or research. A pronunciation assessment is conducted
with follow-up work assigned as needed. The English for Academic Purposes
Program, ESL 915, is one of nine intensive language programs in the
Summer Language Institute, which is organized by the University of Virginia's
Office of the Summer and Special Academic Programs.
Program Helps Foreign Students Refine their English UVa Today News Release
Comments from Participants in past English for Academic Purposes Programs
"EAP focuses on each student's interests and major."
"The teachers knew our names before classes began."
"Everything that the office has done has made U.Va. life easier."
"Each class was excellent, well-prepared, and organized."
"The program was good because I had to spend almost all day speaking English."
"I hope that this program will continue to develop and many students will participate in this program next year."
"The workshops were quite useful because they helped us international students to learn about and adapt to the UVA environment as quickly as possible."
"The trips were amazing! We got to see the natural scenery and we learned about the local history. Unforgettable. The trips made me very happy."
"All the teachers of the EAP program are extremely kind, professional, and helpful. Besides the language improvement, they also helped us to gain a lot of useful information about the university, Charlottesville, Virginia and US, including where to eat, to go shopping, to have fun. It's definitely a program worth taking."
"The classes and teachers are very fun and helpful. They really care about the student and want to help the students adjust quickly to the culture and environment here in Charlottesville. I am very thankful! And what's more, I have also made quite a lot of friends here! Thanks EAP program!"
Classes
Participants enrolled in English for Academic Purposes typically attend four one-and-a-half-hour classes each day, Monday through Friday. Classes focus on the following topics:
Writing
Through analyzing models and through individual writing practice, participants
review the style, organization, structure and vocabulary associated with
a number of academic writing tasks. Participants complete daily writing
assignments, conference with their instructor, and revise their work.
Reading and Vocabulary Development
Participants are introduced to a variety of written materials and learn how to increase
their ability to manage those materials. Course topics include: (a) word
study (vocabulary building), (b) fluency techniques (for speed and accuracy),
(c) comprehension development, and (d) use of appropriate writing components
to explain written texts.
Listening/Pronunciation
Participants review the pronunciation of standard American English for
both production and comprehension purposes. Guided practice follows. Topics
in the listening component include discourse markers, lecture organization,
note taking, context and prediction, spotting main ideas, strategies for
understanding and following lectures, and catching numbers and dates.
Academic
Oral Communication
Participants review and practice strategies to enhance oral communication
with colleagues, classmates, and professional contacts within the university
community. They develop skills needed for group discussions and oral presentations.
Workshops
The program includes a series of workshops that provides a general introduction to US higher education. Workshops for the English for Academic Purposes program include Library and Computing Resources, Student-Faculty Relations, Test-Taking Strategies, Student Life, and the Organization of US Higher Education. Additional workshops introduce participants to the University of Virginia, its academic departments, and its services. Cultural proficiency is developed through these workshops and other activities, including films, day trips to local historic sites, and sporting events.
Applying to the English for Academic Purposes Program
Print the English for Academic Purposes application. Complete the application and submit it, along with all required materials, by May 20, 2013. Late applications will be considered as space allows. A minimum TOEFL score of at least 550 (PBT), 213 (CBT), or 79-80 (ibt) is recommended. Information on summer housing can be accessed at www.virginia.edu/summer .
Applicants should submit their application for admission to the English for Academic Purposes Program as early as possible in order to guarantee proper dating of their I-20 and sufficient time for the processing of their visa application at a US embassy or consulate. Applicants who require an I-20 must demonstrate capability to meet all anticipated expenses during the EAP program.
Dates
July 5 - August 2, 2013
Orientation and classess begin: Friday, July 5, 2013
Costs
Course Fee for 2013: $2250
Comprehensive Fee - All Participants: $397.00 Out-of-state/$338.00 In-state
