English as a Second Language (ESL)

Training in English, orientation to living in the United States and strategies for successful university study at an American University are integral components of all American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) programs. For admission, students must have completed high school or its equivalent. Instruction in some courses is offered at up to five levels of proficiency: high beginning through academic preparation. New students must take a placement test prior to registration so that the appropriate level of study can be determined.

ALCI offers four different ESL programs to meet the needs of its diverse student populations. Depending on their needs, Worcester-area community students can choose to join either the full-time English for Academic Success Program or the Community ESL Program. International students who want to come to the U.S. on a visa enroll in the English for Academic Success or Pathway Program. And beginning  summer 2023 an International Pre-College Summer Program, which offers several exciting short-term tracks, including English for Academic Success, Entrepreneurship, Gaming, E-sports, and Leadership and Social Change, is designed as a 2-to-5-week residential program primarily for international high school students. This program aims to prepare advanced high school students for living and learning at an American university. Students will not only engage in academic studies of their choice, which determines the length of the program after a week of orientation, but also immerse themselves in co-curricular activities involving meaningful interactions with local students and relevant field trips.