How The Certificate in ESL and the American Classroom Experience at Northeastern University Works

Students in the program first study English on a full-time basis for eight weeks. They then gradually transition into academic courses with American students. Students are tested for English ability, and placed according to their needs.Students are free to choose from hundreds of courses offered by the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. These courses are for academic credit and may be accepted by other universities. Advisors are always ready to help students choose the right courses for them. Study Abroad students receive a certificate for successful completion of the program, as well as academic credits from an American university.

Please see Program Format and Fees to examine a typical plan of courses and costs

English Language Center

Students will begin their program at the English Language Center (ELC). The ELC offers specially designed English courses for students to help them develop their English language skills rapidly. In the ELC program, students have the opportunity to polish their English skills. For 20 hours per week, students study grammar, reading, writing, listening and speaking skills to prepare them for academic work at the School of Professional and Continuing Studies. Courses are offered at five levels of English proficiency. Students are tested and placed into appropriate levels on the first day that they arrive at the program.

All students in the ELC have full access to all campus facilities, such as the library, gymnasiums, and food courts, and computer labs. Full time students are eligible to apply for a social security card to obtain work on campus.

For more information, please visit the ELC homepage.

School of Professional and Continuing Studies

Students will continue at the School of Professional and Continuing Studies (SPCS) as their English improves. SPCS offers a wide range of courses and programs of study.

Fields of Study include:

• Business and Management
• Communications
• Health and Life Science
• Humanities and Social Science
• Leadership and Nonprofit
• Legal Studies
• Real Estate and Construction
• Technology and Information Science

Most classes are offered in the late afternoon or evening. Students in the Study Abroad program may take any course that SPCS offers and receive college credit upon successful completion of the course. Students in the Study Abroad program typically take two courses in their second module, two courses during their third module, and full time academic courses in their final module.This is flexible, based on the English proficiency of Study Abroad student.

For more information, please visit the SPCS homepage.

See Program Format and Fees to examine a typical plan of courses and costs

Conversation Partners 

All students in the program will have regular meetings with Conversation Partners during the entire time that they are enrolled in the program. Conversation Partners are American undergraduate or graduate students at Northeastern University. Many of them are majoring in International Business. They meet for one or two hours a week with small groups of international students studying at the English Language Center for conversation practice. Study Abroad students will gain better speaking and listening skills from this experience along with friendly interaction with Northeastern students. There is no additional cost for these sessions.

Clubs, Gyms and Activities

All students have access to all clubs, gyms and activities at Northeastern University. With an enrollment of 25,000 students the university offers a huge array of student clubs from ballroom dancing to drama to cross country skiing. There are excellent athletic and gym facilities available. The International Scholar and Student Institute works closely with the ELC to provide many special activities for international students. These range from university-wide international festivals to weekend outings to beautiful areas in New England. Activities range from apple picking in the fall, shopping in outlet malls in Maine to going on group day trips to Cape Cod. With so many choices and activities available at Northeastern, Study Abroad students will have many opportunities to improve their language skills, meet students from all over the world and accumulate a lifetime of rich memories during their year at Northeastern University. Study Abroad students should expect to pay a fee for each activity.

• Students who want to gain international experience and insight while earning academic credit that can be transferred back to their home institutions.
• Professionals who want to upgrade their skills for better jobs with international firms
• Students who have just completed military service in their home country

• Improved English skills
• Greater professional skills
• Stronger resume
• Experience in an American university
• Guaranteed academic courses
• College credits
• Structure responsive to student needs
• Life in the United States
• Strong feeling of achievement