University of Oregon

Programs For Students

The Academic Advantage

Many English programs in the USA and other countries prepare you to have fun conversations, write simple essays, or pass a test such as the TOEFL. However, studying in those programs may not help you succeed in university. To be successful in college classes, you need a very specific set of skills, such as academic vocabulary, understanding transition language in lectures, using reliable sources in your research papers, and disagreeing with a classmate in a polite way. The AEI's specialty is teaching such academic skills, so that you can be sure you are ready when you go to your university classes.

Become a student at the AEI

Improve your English. Learn about U.S. culture. Meet people from all over the world. Learn the cultural and academic skills you need for studying in a U.S. university.

Programs for Students Learning English

The AEI has a few different programs for learning English:

pair work Intensive English Program (IEP): This program prepares students at any level of English for university study. Students focus on English skills, but they also learn study skills, cultural awareness, and critical thinking skills. Students who are conditionally admitted to the University of Oregon can complete this program to get fully admitted. Also, students can come to the AEI’s IEP just to study English for a few months.

Academic English for International Students (AEIS): International students who have been accepted to the University of Oregon’s regular classes usually have some weaknesses in their English. AEIS helps these students to correct their weaknesses with 4-credit courses in English, academic skills (e.g. presentations, research papers, note-taking), and intercultural communication. UO international students with TOEFL scores between 500 and 575 (61-88 IBT) must take a placement test to decide which academic English skills they still need work on. Courses include writing, reading, and  speaking and listening. Visit the AEIS section of this website to learn more.

Academic English for International Graduate Students (AEIGS): Graduate students who need to improve their writing can take this course. Writing at the graduate level requires a much more refined set of skills than does undergraduate writing, and this course focuses on preparing students for those demands.



International Business Communication (IBC): This series of 5 courses offered through the college of business train international students at communicating interculturally in business settings. AEI faculty are responsible for two of the courses.
Special Programs: Groups from universities and other institutions worldwide come to the AEI to learn English in specialized programs that may also address other educational goals.


Last updated February 10, 2012 14:28, LOB