English for Academic Success Program
Program Overview
- Curriculum
- Understanding Your Level
- Sample Schedule
- Dates and Tuition
In-Class Details
- Reading and Writing (9 hours a week)
- Speaking and Listening (9 hours a week)
- Small class sizes for greater one-on-one attention
- Office hours with instructors for personalized feedback and practice
- Academic support available in ALCI Office
EAS courses are similar to traditional English language courses that are taught around the world at different institutions. The program consists of two courses; Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking. Grammar, vocabulary, academic skills and U.S. culture are integrated into these classes and allow for more natural and holistic learning outcomes. Students can expect to build greatly upon skills necessary for university level coursework, such as essay writing, avoiding plagiarism, public speaking, group and individual presentations, and other collaborative projects.
Each level of EAS is designed to be completed in 1 semester. Though EAS students can pursue all 5 levels, most Clark students pursuing graduate degrees are required to complete EAS level 4, and then move on to the Pathway Program before directly enrolling in their degree program. Degrees that do not have a designated Pathway Program require students to complete EAS level 5. Undergraduate students can expect to enroll in their degree programs after completing EAS level 4. Below, you will find a chart that explains proficiency levels, and how EAS proficiency levels compare with other well-known language proficiency descriptors.
Please keep in mind that while these scores are useful indicators of language ability, we consider many factors in a holistic approach when giving students their level assignments once they have entered our program.
| | EAS Level | | | CEFR | | | ACTFL | | | Duolingo English Test | |
| 1 | A2/A2+ | Intermediate Low | 55 |
| 2 | B1 | Intermediate Mid | 60 |
| 3 | B1+ | Intermediate High | 80 |
| 4 | B2 | Advanced Low | 90 |
| 5 and Pathway | B2+ | Advanced Mid | 105 |
Classes meet in-person 4 days a week, for a total of 18 hours. Each class is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (a typical length for university seminars and courses). This example schedule is what EAS students can expect to see for their own classes.
*Please note that this is only an example, and may not be reflective of your actual course.
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
| Reading & Writing | 9:00 AM – 11:15 | 9:00AM – 11:15 | 9:00AM – 11:15 | 9:00AM – 11:15 | Day off |
| Listening & Speaking | 1:00 pm – 3:15 | 1:00 pm – 3:15 | 1:00 pm – 3:15 | 1:00 pm – 3:15 | Day off |
- Last day of classes: December 9
- International Student Welcome: January 6-8
- ALCI Orientation: January 9
- First day of classes: January 13
- Add/Drop Period ends: January 22
- Last day of classes: April 28
- Summer Session I: May 20 – June 27
- Summer Session II: June 30 – August 8
- International Student Welcome: August 18-20
- ALCI Orientation: August 21
- First day of classes: August 25
- Add/Drop Period ends: TBD
- Last day of classes: December 8
Tuition Costs
- Cost for fall or spring semester start: $11,220*
- Summer semester: $9,250*
- One time international student fee – $375
*all applicants are eligible for a merit scholarship for tuition up to 50% off
Housing and Other Estimated Costs
- Optional On-Campus Housing
(Standard Room: Single; Additional housing options available) – $5,015 - Optional Meal Plan (Additional meal plan options available) – $2,525
- Health Insurance (full year) – $2,390
- Personal Expenses – $1,000
ALCI Office
Clark University American Language and Culture Institute
Jonas Clark Hall 208
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610-1477 USA
Office Hours:
Noon – 1 p.m., 3 – 4 p.m.
Monday to Thursday
Or by appointment.