English as a Second Language Programs

Summer ESL in Boston

Summer Programs in English Language Study for Non-Native Speakers and International Students

UMass Boston is pleased to offer a full-time program of study in English for non-native speakers. These summer sessions are designed to accommodate students at all levels of English proficiency. Whatever your goals, and whatever your level - beginner, intermediate, or advanced speaker of English - you will find a course of study suited to your needs.

International students seeking acceptance into an American university at the graduate or undergraduate level have the option of taking courses specifically designed to develop their academic skills. Working professionals and other interested participants who wish to improve their skills in practical communication and everyday English can select the Intensive English option.

To ensure that students are placed in the appropriate option and course levels, there are assessment and orientation activities at the beginning of the program, including placement tests, a writing sample, and a personal interview with a program instructor. All participants in the program do some formal study of grammar and structure at the appropriate level and pace, and then go on to choose additional courses that match their specific purposes.

Program Options

Intensive Course Option

Coursework in the Intensive English option focuses on intensive practice of the basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Advanced participants may choose among any courses that are appropriate for their proficiency level, and also may audit university courses by special permission. Students read, discuss, research, and do presentations on topics from a variety of fields of personal interest: current events, business, technology, public health, the arts and sciences, psychology, popular culture, and American culture. Field trips to local institutions complement specific classroom projects. For instance, students doing presentations on the topics of art or public health may visit, respectively, any number of art museums or hospitals. Computer lab time is scheduled, and students are offered basic instruction in popular software programs for creating presentations, building web pages, and doing web-based research.

Participants enjoy full access privileges to the educational resources of UMass Boston, including use of the library, computer labs, fitness centers, and health clinic.

Class meetings
Classes take place Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm, for a total of 20-24 hours per week. Participants are placed in classes appropriate to their level of proficiency after initial assessment and orientation sessions.

University Preparation Option

Participants seeking university placement enroll in University Preparation. Coursework includes subject matter typical of the university, and training in academic skills is offered, including note-taking; listening to academic lectures; academic writing and research; oral presentations; critical and creative thinking; and time-management. In addition, TOEFL test preparation and assistance in the college admission process are offered. Advanced students may audit regular university classes by special permission. Computer lab time is scheduled for participants who wish to develop their "e-literacy" and computer skills, including presentation skills, building web pages, web-based research, and word-processing skills.

Participants enjoy full access privileges to the educational resources of UMass Boston, including use of the library, computer labs, fitness centers, and health clinic.

Class meetings
Classes take place Monday through Friday between 9:00am and 4:00pm, for a total of 20-24 hours per week. Participants are placed in classes appropriate to their level of proficiency after initial assessment and orientation sessions.