The Harriet W. Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning

English Language Pre-Orientation Program

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English Language Pre-Orientation Program

The Summer English Language Program (ELP) is a two-week pre-orientation program that aims to equip incoming international graduate students for whom English is not a primary language with the language skills to feel confident and successful in navigating their academic contexts.

The 2025 program will take place in person from August 4th to August 15th, 2025 with a maximum capacity of 25 students. Master’s and Ph.D. students in any discipline beginning their academic programs on campus in Summer or Fall 2025 can use this Google Form to apply by 11:59 pm EST, June 1. If you are unable to access the Google Form or if you have any questions, please contact Dr. Joy Shuyuan Liu, Assistant Director of English Language Support, at joy_s_liu@brown.edu.

The Summer English Language Program (ELP) is a two-week pre-orientation program that aims to equip incoming international graduate students for whom English is not a primary language with the language skills to feel confident and successful in navigating their academic contexts. 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 academic advisors, giving academic presentations, and writing with sources. 

By the end of the program, participants will practice social and academic English language skills in low-stakes contexts, receive direct and tailored feedback from English Language Support, connect with staff and university resources and services, and interact with other graduate students from a variety of academic disciplines. At Brown, ELP is also one of the eligible pathways for CIRTL Associate certification, through which graduate students gain access to a wide range of professional development resources geared towards the integration of research, teaching, and learning.

2023 ELP participants share ideas at the RISD museum
2023 ELP participants share ideas at the RISD museum

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

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’s Sheridan Center for Teaching and Learning.

Materials 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 optional 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 4-15 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. 

ELP participants and Sheridan staff at the Great Escape Room, Providence
ELP participants and Sheridan staff at the Great Escape Room, Providence

Important Dates (by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time)

  • June 1:  ELP application closes
  • June 5:  Invitations sent out to accepted participants
  • June 10:  Deadline to confirm participation
  • August 4:  ELP starts
2023 ELP participants on a campus scavenger hunt
2023 ELP participants on a campus scavenger hunt