English as a Second Language:
The American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) at Clark University serves as a resource for international undergraduates as well as graduate and Worcester-area community students for whom English is a second language.

Hundreds of city residents participate in the English as a Second Language (ESL) program, and some receive scholarships from Clark. The largest immigrant populations served include Southeast Asians, Albanians, Russians, and Hispanics.

Students who do not have a college degree can matriculate from the ESL program to earn a degree through the College of Professional and Continuing Education at Clark University.Clark University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc. through its Commission on Institutions of Higher Education.

Intensive ESL for International Students - The Program:
Clark University's American Language and Culture Institute, known to students around the world as ALCI, offers intensive ESL programs for students who want to improve their English-language skills for academic, professional or personal reasons.
Major features include:
• 20 or more hours per week of intensive ESL instruction at up to six levels
• Small classes taught by dedicated, trained professionals
• Private tutorial sessions
• Computer-assisted language learning
• Audio/Video language laboratory
• A diverse international student population
• Conditional/Provisional admission to Clark University degree program
• Four-week programs beginning in May and July
• 15-week programs beginning in January and August

Testing
New students are given a placement test at the beginning of the semester. The institutional Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is offered at the end of each semester.

Certificates
ALCI certificates are awarded to all students who satisfactorily fulfill program requirements.

Programs and Course Offerings
ALCI offers programs in Basic English as a Second Language (BESL), English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and American Studies (AMST). Courses studies depend on the students level of instruction. Not all courses are offered every semester. Courses now in the catalog, but subject to change, are:

Basic ESL
BESL courses focus on the needs of all students at the High Beginning and Low Intermediate levels.
• Listening and Speaking
• Reading and Writing
• Integrated Skills
• Grammar

English for Academic Purposes
EAP courses focus on the needs of students at the Intermediate or High Intermediate through Pre-Academic levels who are pursuing or plan to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at an American college or university. EAP courses are also appropriate for international students who want only to improve their English-language skills.
• Vocabulary and Conversation
• Writing
• Reading
• Grammar
• TOEFL Preparation
• Public Speaking
• Academic Skills
• English for Business
• Introduction to Computers

American Studies
AMST courses focus on the needs of students at the academic level. These interdisciplinary content courses in American Studies develop and improve English-language skills, while fostering knowledge about American society and culture.
• American Art
• American Literature
• American Music
• Issues in Contemporary American Society
• U.S. History and Government

Accreditation
Clark University is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc., through its Commission on Institutions of Higher education.

ESL Community Students (Immigrants and Visitors)
The Program
The American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) at Clark University offers courses in English as a Second Language (ESL) and American Studies for adults in the greater Worcester area who have limited proficiency in the English language. The courses are designed to help students improve their English language skills for academic, professional, or personal reasons.
Major features include:
• 5 or more hours per week of ESL instruction at up to 5 levels
• Small classes taught by dedicated professionals
• A diverse community and international student population
• 4 to 5-week day programs beginning in May and July and a 12 week evening program beginning in May
• 15-week day and evening programs beginning in August and January
• Courses meet weekday mornings, afternoons, and evenings, so that students can choose to study at the time that best fits their personal schedules
• A Clark University I.D. which provides access to University events (social activities, campus lectures, and films), libraries, computer laboratories, and the Kneller Athletic Center
Joining the Community ESL Program
• Students must be at least 18 years old
• All new students must complete an application form, take a placement test, and attend orientation and registration sessions on the dates scheduled. (See the current Testing, Orientation, and Registration Schedule.) Students should test at the high beginning level or above on the placement test
• Students with no prior knowledge of English will not be admitted into the program
• Students with very low levels of English proficiency should be accompanied to the orientation/registration session by someone who can translate for them. Students are responsible for the information presented at orientation/registration and in the "ALCI Student Guide", regardless of their English language proficiency level.