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English for Professional Purposes: International and Public Affairs

Available in Summer

An intensive four-week program in English for International and Public Affairs.

Please note: This course is open only to SIPA students who are entering SIPA in the Fall.

This program has been designed in collaboration with Columbia University’s School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) and is intended to prepare international students entering SIPA in the Fall for the demands of their graduate coursework. Although all language skills will be addressed, this course will focus primarily on improving participants' fluency and listening comprehension skills. In order to develop these skills, the course will cover topics relevant to professionals in the field of international and public affairs. Particular emphasis will be given to the topics of globalization and privatization and their impact on national governments and the international arena.

The Program will Include:
  • Instruction in the professional language used to give formal presentations
  • Special lectures by professionals and professors in international affairs
  • An orientation to research tools available to graduate students
Participants Will:
  • Give impromptu speeches and prepared presentations on topics related to their areas of expertise
  • Practice their listening and reading comprehension skills 
  • Gain a better understanding of students' role in U.S. academic culture
  • Increase their ability to participate in seminars and group projects, and to understand lectures

Those who successfully complete the seminar will become more comfortable discussing topics in their field and interacting with their professors and other graduate students.

If you have questions about this course please email: alp [[at]] columbia [[dot]] edu (alp[at]columbia[dot]edu)

For a full explanation of fees, see below.

Dates and Prices

Click on the box for full details. 

Tuition and fees are subject to Board of Trustee approval and may change.

For a full explanation of fees, see below.

Application Requirements

This course is only open to international students who are entering Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs (SIPA) in the Fall. Students required to take this course will be notified by SIPA.

I-20 Information

In general, an F-1 (student visa) is required for study in the US. All international students taking EPP: SIPA must have an I-20 issued by the ALP (not SIPA) in order to obtain the F-1 visa. At the end of the summer, we will transfer your I-20 from the ALP to the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) so that you can begin your studies at SIPA.

If you are already holding an F-1 visa and attending another school you must also transfer your SEVIS record from your current school to the ALP. Please speak to your Advisor at your current school.

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