Clark University's American Language and Culture Institute, known to students around the world as ALCI, offers intensive ESL programs for students who want to improve their English-language skills for academic, professional or personal reasons.

• 20 or more hours per week of intensive ESL instruction at up to six levels
• Small classes taught by dedicated, trained professionals
• Private tutorial sessions
• Computer-assisted language learning
• Audio/Video language laboratory
• A diverse international student population
• Conditional/Provisional admission to Clark University degree program
• Four-week programs beginning in May and July
• 15-week programs beginning in January and August

New students are given a placement test at the beginning of the semester. The institutional Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) is offered at the end of each semester.

ALCI certificates are awarded to all students who satisfactorily fulfill program requirements.

ALCI offers programs in Basic English as a Second Language (BESL), English for Academic Purposes (EAP), and American Studies (AMST). Courses studies depend on the students level of instruction. Not all courses are offered every semester. Courses now in the catalog, but subject to change, are:

BESL courses focus on the needs of all students at the High Beginning and Low Intermediate levels.

• Listening and Speaking
• Reading and Writing
• Integrated Skills
• Grammar

EAP courses focus on the needs of students at the Intermediate or High Intermediate through Pre-Academic levels who are pursuing or plan to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at an American college or university. EAP courses are also appropriate for international students who want only to improve their English-language skills.

• Vocabulary and Conversation
• Writing
• Reading
• Grammar
• TOEFL Preparation
• Public Speaking
• Academic Skills
• English for Business
• Introduction to Computers

AMST courses focus on the needs of students at the academic level. These interdisciplinary content courses in American Studies develop and improve English-language skills, while fostering knowledge about American society and culture.

• American Art
• American Literature
• American Music
• Issues in Contemporary American Society
• U.S. History and Government