Advanced Academic English for Graduate Students

Available in Summer

This six-week intensive program is intended to prepare international Master's students entering Columbia University in Fall for the rigorous demands of their graduate coursework.

The curriculum is specifically designed to reflect the type of work completed in master's degrees in professional schools of study. It will focus on all language skills, with an emphasis on spoken interaction, helping students speak more fluently, accurately and intelligibly so they are better able to participate in their graduate courses. It also aims to familiarize students with the graduate student experience at Columbia University.

The course is for international students whose first language is not English.

The curriculum will combine linguistic and academic objectives.

Participants will:

Deliver individual, pair, and group presentations on topics related to their fields
Receive extensive feedback on their oral skills (from various stakeholders)
Learn strategies for correcting errors in grammar, vocabulary and pronunciation
Learn how to present oral and written data commentary
Expand their academic vocabulary
Learn how to explain concepts of their field to non-experts
Become familiar with professors' expectations
Learn American email etiquette

This class changed me, and was much more than I expected it to be…I learned far more than I ever thought I would. I know that I will probably never have another opportunity like this to practice my speech or have teachers help me correct my English pronunciation with such care.”

- Ruth, China

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 Deadline: May 26

Course Dates: July 8 - August 16

Tuition and Fees
Fee	Cost
Tuition	$5,532
Activity Fee	$100
Instructional Support Fee	$90
ALP Student Services Fee	$60
Technology Fee	$35
Health & Related Services Fee	$245
Books & Materials	$50 (estimated)
Estimated Living Expenses	$4,200 (This is what you can expect to spend to live in NYC)
Estimated Total Cost of Study	$10,275

Explanation of Fees*

**Important note: Students in AAEGS will not be eligible and will not be billed for the Columbia Summer Health Insurance plan because ALP registration will happen after the Columbia Health Insurance enrollment deadline for Summer has passed. If Columbia Health changes this policy, ALP will notify you immediately.

Activity Fee: this covers expenses relating to orientation, handbooks, events and activities.
Instructional Support Fee: this covers class materials and expenses such as playbooks, novels, newspapers, photocopying, theater tickets, museum or event entry.
ALP Student Services Fee: this covers internal I-20 processing fees and other SEVIS transactions.
Technology Fee: this covers SPS technology expenses, including access to online course management software, Canvas, and tools used to develop online course content.
Health and Related Services Fee: All ALP students are required to pay the Health and Related Services Fee. This fee covers access to Columbia health services such as medical, counseling, wellbeing, sexual violence response and disability services.
Books & Materials: this is an estimate. Instructors may assign books or media materials during the session. Students are not billed for books and materials but purchase them independently.
Estimated Living Expenses: this includes food, transportation, everyday expenses, and Housing. This gives an idea of how much money is needed to live in New York so you can plan financially. Students are not billed for living expenses.
Estimated Total Cost of Study: When you apply for an I-20 you must show you have this total amount on your financial document.

*Note: not all fees are refundable if students withdraw from the program. For a full explanation see the Withdrawal and Tuition Refund page of the ALP website.

Application Requirements

This course is open only to incoming Master’s students entering Columbia University in the Fall.

I-20 Information

In general, an F-1 (student visa) is required for study in the US. All international students taking Advanced Academic English for Graduate Students must have an I-20 issued by the ALP (not the Master's program) in order to obtain the F-1 visa.. At the end of the Fall, we will transfer your I-20 from the ALP to the International Students & Scholars Office (ISSO) so that you can begin your studies in your Master's program.

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 with your advisor at your current school.

Ready to apply? Click this link:

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