English Resources

For those looking to sharpen their English skills before they arrive, or looking to fill in gaps in their knowledge after classes have already begun, below are some resources to consider.

On-Campus

International Student & Scholar Services (ISSS): This office offers a comprehensive list of all the resources available to international students to support their academic success.

The Writing CenterAmerican University’s Writing Center has compiled some suggested resources for those looking to gain a better command of their academic writing skills.

Online

British CouncilThe British Council, who jointly runs the IELTS test with the University of Cambridge, has a number of great lessons for highly advanced students on their websit.

English CentralThis website has a wide range of videos on a variety of topics that can be sorted by skill level and purpose.

The Academic Word ListFor students who prefer checklists, this is a great site for identifying and studying which words are missing from your vocabulary.

Future Learn: From English Language-specific to more topical studies, this free, open, online learning platform has many courses available to prepare you for high-level academic English, like this guide to academic writing.

Languages Other Than English

This resource guide is designed by the SIS Office of Graduate Advising for SIS graduate students who need to improve their language skills to fulfill the Tool of Research language requirement and/or for students who wish to further develop their language skills for professional development.

On-Campus

Center for Language Exploration, Acquisition & Research (CLEAR)
Located in Asbury Hall at AU, CLEAR has multiple spaces integrated with multimedia and computer equipment to facilitate technology-enhanced language instruction, and the hosting of language-related events. In addition to administering the Tool of Research exam, CLEAR offers coaching in the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, French, German, Hebrew, Italian, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, and Spanish.
Phone: 202-885-2357
Email: clear@american.edu
Web: http://www.american.edu/cas/clear/
Location: Asbury Hall, North Wing – Lower Level, Room B36

Global Languages Network
AU has partnered with The Global Language Network (GLN) in previous semesters to offer reduced-cost language classes on AU’s campus. These classes are independently run by GLN and are not being offered as AU courses. GLN courses earn no academic credit and may not be used as a substitute for a Tool of Research examination or to fulfill any degree requirement. Visit the GLN website for more information, including fees and how to register.
Web: http://thegln.org

Language Exchange Program
International Student Scholar Services (ISSS) runs the language exchange program, which matches AU students who want to practice their language skills. Language partners meet on AU’s campus at least once a week to practice. ISSS matches partners and accepts all applications.
Web: http://www.american.edu/ocl/isss/LEP.cfm

DC Metro Area

Tenley-Friendship DC Public Library
DC Public Libraries offer Powerspeak Languages, a free, online language-learning program, accessible using your D.C. public library card. Language lessons available include Spanish, French, German, Mandarin, and English. Tenley-Friendship Library also offers free ASL instruction.
Phone: 202-727-1488
Web: http://www.dclibrary.org/tenley
Location: 4450 Wisconsin Ave NW Washington, DC 20016

Other Resources
Below are some local schools and institutions where SIS graduate students have taken language courses. (This list is not intended to be comprehensive nor serve as an endorsement.)
Alliance Francaise: http://www.francedc.org/
Goethe-Institut: http://www.goethe.de/ins/us/was/enindex.htm?wt_sc=washington
Middle East Institute: http://www.mei.edu/
Graduate School USA: http://graduateschool.edu/
Arlington Public Library: http://library.arlingtonva.us/a-z-list/language-conversation-classes/
International Language Institute: http://ilidc.com/flp/
International Center for Language Studies: http://www.icls.edu/foreign-language-programs/