Yes. The English Language Program (ELP) is a free and optional summer pre-orientation program for incoming international graduate students. It is offered in collaboration with the Graduate School and part of the free programmatic and individual supports provided by Writing and English Language Support (WELS) at Brown.

Materials, some lunches, and fees for any site visits will be provided. Participants should plan to secure their own housing and any transportation to and from the program site prior to the program start date. 

The topics are formulated by considering the most frequently raised inquiries from international graduate students and the everyday communicative needs of students in their academic disciplines. Throughout the program, participants are oriented to key knowledge and skills for competent and confident participation in a range of essential academic communicative events and genres, including email writing, small talk, academic discussions in classrooms and research group meetings (RGM), relationship building with faculty/advisors, giving academic presentations, and writing with sources. 

No. Since ELP is a support program and not a course, there are no assessments or grades. There are, however, multiple speaking and writing opportunities where participants can collaborate with peers and receive direct feedback from ELS staff.

Because ELP is an interactive learning experience with a maximum capacity of 25 students, we ask that participants dedicate the time from 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET, Monday - Friday, August 7-18 to the program. We hope that this time frame provides flexibility outside of the program for other commitments. You are welcome to share any information that may support your participation in the program in the “optional” section of the application form. Students who do not participate in the program may be interested in exploring other English Language Support options.