English as a Second Language (ESL)
The English as a Second Language (ESL) office is located in
the Russell Sage Lab, Room 2106. The following programs and
services are offered through the ESL Program; please contact
Jeannie Steigler, ESL Coordinator, at (518) 276-6820 for more
information.
- 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.
- Conversation Club - This program is to help the
international students practice their English fluency and
learn more about American culture while the American students
learn more about other cultures. The coordinator puts
international students into small groups where they can
discuss many topics about culture and life in America and
abroad. Discussions last for an hour once a week. Sign-up
sheets and dates for the first meeting are available in the
Advising and Learning Assistance Center, Sage Lab, Room
2106.
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