Program Structure

Overall Goals & Methods

All class work, activities and homework are based on the premise that language is essentially a means of communication. Classes are student-centered, engaging students in partner and small group work, role-play, discussions, debates, student presentations, and poster sessions. Readings of texts from literature, academic sources, and the media generate topics for written and oral response. Class projects may include creation of a video, newsletter, journal, or dramatic performance. Students are brought face-to-face with the latest in educational technology through use of the UCAELI computer lab and the university library.

Additional out of class activities may include interviews with native speakers, field trips, visits to local museums and galleries, participation in conversation partner program, auditing of UCONN classes, and community service work. Student involvement in the UCONN community is encouraged and supported by the UCAELI staff and instructors.

Cross-Cultural Focus

The number of countries represented by UCAELI students in an average session is 17. In celebration of the diversity of each group of UCAELI students, class work often focuses on exploring culture. Community building activities during orientation help students get to know each other. The goal of cultural understanding is integral to the program.

Levels and Student Evaluation

For each core course there are four or five levels ranging from beginner to advanced. A student completes a level when mastery of the level objectives has been achieved. (See Curriculum and Course Descriptions) Each level is designed to be completed in15 weeks. Student placement and assessment testing is conducted at the beginning and end of each session.

Written evaluations and an official transcript are kept on file and may be submitted to schools or employers at a student's request. The NAFSA (Association of International Educators) Language Proficiency Scoring Guide is used to assign a numerical score from 1-6 for each skill area at the completion of a session. A student seeking admission to UCONN is expected to have an average score of 4.5.

Hours of Instruction and Average Length of Study

Students have 22 hours of instruction per week. The program is designed to improve students' overall language proficiency. Students' motivation, study skills and previous language learning experience affect the speed of progress. For students preparing for academic work, the average length of study is 15 - 30 weeks for an intermediate student and 38 - 53 weeks for a beginner.

UCAELI Class Schedule - Sample from Fall/Spring Session