University of Texas-Austin

Intensive English Programs (IEPs), like ESL Services, exist in one form or another on the campuses of all major research universities in the US. The University of Texas at Austin (UT) has supported an ESL program in the International Office, with the exception of 1985–1992, since the early 1960s. English as a Second Language Services exemplifies The University of Texas’ long-standing commitment to international education and to the promotion of global understanding and goodwill. As part of the University, ESL Services provides instruction and programs that are critical to UT’s mission. Specifically, ESL Services offers current and future international students and scholars high-quality English language training and orientation programs to assist them in attaining better proficiency in English and in broadening their cultural awareness in order to ensure their success at the University of Texas. In addition to offering classes to help matriculated international students improve their English skills, ESL Services participates as a critical component of language-focused academic programs by providing opportunities for learning, collaboration, and research. These essential activities, conducted by current graduate students in a variety of departments, include classroom observations; internships; and data collection for dissertations, theses, and other academic publications. Brief introduction to our programs and instructors; [ITA program] The ITA program is designed to assure that international teaching assistants and assistant instructors can meet the linguistic demands required of them. As part of the ITA program, ESL Services supervises initial oral screening, conducts an ITA workshop, and provides courses for those who conditionally pass or fail the assessment. [Graduate-level courses] The graduate-level courses we offer include intermediate and advanced oral communication and academic writing. The students in these courses are typically fulfilling graduate school or departmental requirements; others self-select into our services. [Academic English Program (AEP)] This program is designed for students planning to enter a Master's or Ph.D. program at The University of Texas or another US university. AEP specifically prepares students for graduate study. [English Language Program (ELP)] The program serves undergraduates, visiting scholars, businesspeople, and family members of UT faculty and students. Course content focuses on communication for study, business, and daily life. All of ESL Services' 42 current instructors have graduate degrees (9 Ph.D. and 33 Master), speak at least one foreign language and have taught, traveled, or lived outside the US. They also have a minimum of five years of teaching experience, with many boasting more than 20 years.