Academy Resource Center

English as a Second Language (ESL)

The Department of English as a Second Language provides international students at the Academy of Art University with a unique program which integrates the study of art and language. We are strongly committed to the goal of helping students succeed in their art and design classes while working to improve their English throughout their academic program.

Services Available On Campus

ESL Classes
Highly qualified English instructors prepare international students to succeed in their art and design classes by teaching art vocabulary, presentation, writing, listening and conversation skills.

ESL Art Support Program
English teachers attend specified art and design classes and work with international students to review lectures and demonstrations, comments from critiques, new vocabulary, and instructions for assignments.

Writing Lab
English instructors tutor students individually, by appointment, to help them with written assignments. Assistance is available for all undergraduate and graduate students.

Speaking Lab
English instructors help international students improve their speaking skills through individual presentation practice, group pronunciation workshops, and conversation groups.

Multimedia Lab
Students use the Multimedia Lab to practice English language skills. The lab has 20 stations where students can watch videos, use language learning software, gain access to the Internet, do word processing, and listen to and record audio.

Services Available Online

Online Writing Lab (OWL)
Students can send their written assignments to English instructors who respond by email with their written comments.

Online ESL Support
English instructors are available in many online classes to help international students with course content, new vocabulary, instructions for assignments, and tests.