Academic and Professional Writing is a comprehensive semester-long course in improving written English proficiency. Tailored toward the special needs of international graduate students, this course teaches effective academic writing. Participants analyze and practice composing paraphrases, summaries/abstracts, analyses, critiques/evaluations, and full-length papers – individually and in collaborative group assignments.

TOEFL 911!, a four-hour TOEFL® iBT preparation workshop on what to expect in taking the examination, is generally given the day before the actual test in the test facility. This course covers test components, strategies for taking the examination, and scoring, and includes review and timed practice for reading, listening, speaking and writing question types. This is an invaluable opportunity for those who have had little or no preparation for taking the test, or for students looking for a last-minute review. Register by calling the English Language Institute at 540-231-9814.

Refresher Classes: These two ten-day, twenty-hour courses are designed for graduate students, post-doctoral fellows, visiting scholars, and other members of the international research community who want to improve their speaking and writing skills. Offered between the fall and spring semesters, these courses are aimed at helping students become more confident in public speaking, more comfortable in formal and informal discussion, and more effective and accurate in writing assignments.

Conversation Partners is a volunteer program bringing the Virginia Tech student community together with international students who need to improve their English speaking skills. The program encourages open communication to improve awareness and understanding across cultures. Participants are linked with several of the Institute’s international students and meet within their groups one to two hours per week. To participate as a Virginia Tech student, please contact the Institute’s main office at 540-231-9418, or at eli-info@vt.edu.