English for Academic Purposes - Summer 2009
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. 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, LING 108S, 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."

"It was well prepared and well organized."

"Each class was excellent."

"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."

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 Communication (Oral)
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 2007 English for Academic Purposes program included 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.

Conversation Partners
Each participant is paired with a conversation partner enrolled in the participant's intended area of study (e.g., physics). Participants and their partners meet for regular discussion of academics, current events, and common interests. By conversing with native speakers of English, participants improve listening and speaking skills.

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 23, 2009. 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/DS-2019 and sufficient time for the processing of their visa application at a US embassy or consulate. Applicants who require an I-20/DS-2019 must demonstrate capability to meet all anticipated expenses during the EAP program.

Dates
July 8 - August 7, 2009
Check-in: Monday July 6, 2009
Orientation: Tuesday & Wednesday July 7 & 8, 2009

Costs-2008
Course Fee for 2009: $1,980
Comprehensive Fee - All Participants: $301.00 In-state/$313.00 Out-of-state
Summer Language Institute Fee: $45.00

       

Telephone (434) 924-3371         FAX (434) 924-1483
caelc@virginia.edu