English as a Second Language (ESL)
The Advising & Learning Assistance Center (ALAC) offers
English as a Second Language (ESL) services to Rensselaer's
academic community, offering classes with a primary focus on
presentations, group discussions, listening and note-taking,
and writing skills needed for an American classroom, as well as
living in the United States.
Proficiency Screening: New or returning
international graduate students who will be Teaching Assistants
at Rensselaer for the first time must take the SPEAK Test of
oral proficiency to assess oral communication skills. The test
takes approximately 20 minutes and is given during TA Training.
Students arriving late should contact the ESL coordinator to
arrange a time to take this test.
English Classes: Free, non-credit English
as a Second Language classes are available to students who need
or want to improve their English in order to function
successfully as students or Teaching Assistants. Placement in
these classes is based on an interview with Jeannie Steigler,
the Coordinator of ESL Programs. As space in these classes is
limited, priority will be given to Teaching Assistants and
first-year students. Returning students, visiting scholars,
post doctorates, and spouses will be placed in classes if there
is space left after new students have been placed.
For more information, contact ALAC staff by calling (518)
276-6269, visit their office in the Russell Sage Laboratory and
check their website.
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