Academic English Courses for UM Visiting Scholars

The Visiting Scholars Program began in 1996 with courses designed especially to meet the needs of international visiting scholars across disciplines who are engaged in academic research at the University of Michigan.

The English Language Institute (ELI) recognizes that visiting scholars are valued members of the academic community who sometimes find academic life at the University of Michigan challenging due to language and cultural barriers and time constraints. Scholars often spend the majority of their time in laboratories or libraries where there may be few opportunities to develop their language skills, and they often do not take full advantage of opportunities to join their peers in the academic community. These courses are designed to help scholars increase their confidence using English; thereby, empowering them to become participants in their departments and enhance their academic careers. The course fee is $700.00.

Visiting Scholars interested in attending a class should sign up for the Academic English Evaluation (AEE) for English evaluation and counseling for an appropriate course prior to enrollment. The AEE online registration is: http://websvcs.itd.umich.edu/eli-bin/main. For problems with online registration, please contact: aee-info@umich.edu.

U-M visiting scholars are encouraged to seek funding from their respective department or sponsor to enroll in the English course. Also, ELI offers a limited amount of need-based funding to assist visiting scholars who have restricted personal funds. For more information about the ELI funding assistance and the visiting scholars’ academic English courses, please contact Benita Murrel, Educational Programs Coordinator, at: bmurrel@umich.edu, tel. no.734.615.9771.

VS 501: Introduction to Communications in Academia

 
This introductory course provides instruction in the following:

• Strategies for spoken and written communication (including the basics of academic speaking and writing, as well as appropriate language for email correspondence)
• Strategies for understanding spoken English in academic and social settings (including interactive speaking and listening strategies; lecture comprehension strategies; and attention to important features in English pronunciation)
• Other areas that include: understanding formal and informal uses of language in academic settings; vocabulary development strategies; and cultural awareness

VS  502: Academic Communications Seminar

 
This intermediate and advanced course provides instruction in:

• Strategies for speaking in both formal and informal academic settings (including formal speaking and presentation skills; effective explanations of research; techniques for effectively engaging in discussions)
• Strategies for written communication (including academic writing strategies; review of research writing; organizational patterns)
• Other areas that include: review of spoken and written discourses relevant in academia; pronunciation skills