Did You Know?

In 2007, GT won the national Senator Paul Simon Award for Campus Internationalization. This is a prestigious award for institutions of higher education presented by NAFSA: Association of International Educators.

English as a Second Language (ESL) Classes

Georgia Tech currently offers a number of courses for non-native speakers to study English as a Second Language on campus. These courses are intended for all members of the international community at Georgia Tech who would like to improve their English language skills. The following chart will help you decide which program would be right for you. For further information, please see the Georgia Tech Language Institute Web site at: www.esl.gatech.edu.

Download a campus services brochure here: ESL Campus Newsletter

GT Undergraduates
GT Graduates
GT Post-docs		 GT Visiting Scholars GT Faculty and Staff Spouses and adult dependents of GT faculty, visiting scholars, and students**
Credit Courses X
Intensive English Program X X X X
Evening ESL Classes X X X X
Elective Courses X X X X
Summer Short Courses X X X X
Graduate Workshops X(Graduates and Post-docs only)
Customized Courses X X X X
** Note that F-2 visa holders are eligible for part-time study only.

Credit Courses

Center for the Enhancement of Teaching and Learning (CETL)

  • CETL 8722: International Academic Writing This course aids international graduate students in enhancing their academic writing skills in English through exposure to, and practice of producing examples of academic writing.
  • CETL 8793: English for International Graduate Students An oral skills class designed to help graduate students become more accurate and fluent in both verbal and nonverbal skills. In addition to working on acquiring an American accent and body language when speaking English, students will work on basic presentation skills.
  • CETL 8795: Advanced English for International Graduate Students An advanced oral skills class designed to help graduate students improve their verbal ability in English for teaching, making presentations, and interacting in academic and professional situations.

    To register, request a permit at www.cetl.gatech.edu/services/tas/requests.htm.


    Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program offers seven levels of ESL instruction, from beginning to advanced. Classes in grammar, writing, oral skills, reading, oral presentations, and TOEFL preparation meet daily in this eight-week program. Both full-time and part-time study available.

For course costs and application go to www.esl.gatech.edu.

Evening ESL Classes

The evening classes meet twice weekly (two hours/class) in a six-week program. A sample of course titles includes the following:

  • ESL: Practical Writing Skills
  • ESL: Developing the Art of Conversation
  • ESL Clearer Speech
  • ESL: Contemporary Issues – Developing Discussion Skills
  • ESL: Grammar/Writing
  • ESL: Preparation for the TOEFL EXAM
  • ESL: Public Speaking
  • ESL: Improving Your Job Search - Resumes to Interviewing Skills


    For information about costs and registration, go to www.esl.gatech.edu.
Elective Courses

During the Fall and Spring, the Language Institute offers elective courses which meet once a week for 5 or 6 weeks. A sample of course titles includes the following:

  • TOEFL Preparation
  • Word Power
  • Becoming More Fluent
  • Making a Movie
  • Preparation for the GRE/GMAT Writing Sections
  • Business Communication
Summer Short Courses

These 3-week courses are offered in two summer mini-sessions in May and July. Check our summer courses link to find more information about specific course offerings. A sample of course titles includes the following:

  • TOEFL Preparation
  • Newsroom
  • Basic Grammar
  • American Pronunciation
  • American Studies
  • Better Writing
  • Act it Out
  • Movie Making
Summer Graduate Students Prep Workshops

These 4-6 day workshops are designed for international graduate students who are preparing to begin their studies at Georgia Tech. Course topics include academic writing, academic speaking, clear pronunciation, and graduate teaching assistant training.

For more information, see www.esl.gatech.edu.

Customized Courses

The Language Institute will customize a language-training program for your needs. Our programs are designed to target particular skills and will be offered at a time and place that is convenient for you or your group. Contact mo.burke@esl.gatech.edu for more information about this program.

For more information about any of the Language Institute courses or programs, please go to www.esl.gatech.edu or call 404.894.2425.