"Knowledge of languages is the doorway to wisdom.”
— Roger Bacon
The University of Connecticut will offer free virtual English language training to three cohorts of refugee and asylum seekers per year, beginning in Fall 2022, through the UConn American English Language Institute (UCAELI). Each cohort will consist of a maximum of 13 participants--including students and professionals--of a similar proficiency level. Each cohort must have relatively the same proficiency across participants, to ensure effectiveness.
The initial cohort proficiency level will be intermediate and tailored to participants planning on applying to higher education programs. Interested refugees and asylum seekers will need to take a proficiency test to be eligible for placement in the program. To sign up for free testing, fill out the form below and you will be contacted regarding testing and potential placement.
Dates: Starting September 2022 (8 weeks, 3 hours per week)
Dates: Mondays & Thursdays from 10:00AM - 11:30AM
Proficiency Level: Intermediate (for those planning to apply to a higher education program)
Status: Testing Open
Fall 2022 - English Language Training - Interest Form
Dates: March 27, 2023 - May 16, 2023, Mondays & Thursdays 11:30am - 1:00pm
Proficiency Level: To be Determined
Contact Us
Features of the Online Academic English Program
During this online programs, participants will develop listening and speaking skills, improve vocabulary and grammar, and develop academic writing skills. They will participate in daily real-time interactions with English Instructors and classmates and have the opportunity to connect with University of Connecticut students, faculty, and staff as Conversation Partners to practice speaking skills, learn about US culture, and create new connections.
Participants will learn how to:
- Write an academic paper or professional report.
- Participate in an online environment and prepare for group discussions.
- Develop effective presentation skills in English.
- Develop analytical skills that are crucial for academic and professional success in the United States.
Courses Include:
- Listening and Speaking
- Reading and Writing
- Interactions
All UCAELI courses are non-credit. Non-credit means that the courses do not have credits and students will receive a separate transcript for their non-credit courses. UCAELI courses will not appear on undergraduate or graduate transcripts. If a participants request a UCAELI transcript from the university Registrar Office, they need to request a “Non-Credit Transcript”.
Technology
Students will need access to the Zoom application and will need to be able to submit documents using MS Word.
Certificates
- Certificate of Participation is provided to all students who complete the required coursework.
- UCAELI’s Proficiency Certificate is awarded to students who complete the program with a CEFR proficiency score of B2 or higher in all skill areas (listening, speaking, reading, writing, strategies). UCAELI’s Proficiency Certificate may be used in lieu of a TOEFL or IELTS test to satisfy the English proficiency requirement at select universities.
- Certificates available upon successful completion of the program.