English As A Second Language

English as a Second Language (ESL) courses are available on a non-credit basis to first-year students requiring additional preparation in speaking and listening skills. A course designed to improve the oral communication of teaching assistants (TA's) is required of new TA's whose oral skills are inadequate for effective classroom communication. A limited number of students with weak background in English may, with the written approval of their academic advisors, the ESL Coordinator, and the Dean in the International Office, take a reduced credit load plus English during their first semester at Rensselaer.

Additional English-language opportunities for Rensselaer students include the Conversation Partner program, which enables international students to meet once a week with native English-speaking volunteers for informal conversational practice, and the lending of ESL audio-cassettes for individual listening practice.

Information about ESL courses and programs can be obtained from the Coordinator of English as a Second Language Program, whose office is in Russell Sage Laboratory 4404 (276-6820).

Due to limitations in facilities and resources, spouses of students may not enroll in ESL courses or programs unless they have been admitted to Rensselaer for full- or part-time studies. See Opportunities for Spouses in the Troy Area for relevant information.