The American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI) at Clark University is responsible for intensive ESL programs serving international students from around the world and community students from the greater Worcester area. Training in English, orientation to American life and culture and preparation for successful university study in the United States are important aspects of the ALCI program.

Instruction is offered at up to five levels of proficiency: high beginning through academic preparation. Most courses are non-credit and are graded on the Pass (P)/No Record (NR) system. Classes are offered mornings, afternoons, and evenings during the 15 week fall and spring semesters (beginning in August and January), and during two, four-five week sessions in the summer. Certificates are awarded upon successful completion of full or part-time work.

International students pursue 20 hours or more of course work per week. Study in the computer and language laboratories, tutorial sessions, and day trips to local areas of interest extends learning beyond the confines of the classroom and provides additional opportunities for these students to increase their language learning potential. The institutional TOEFL is offered every semester.

For admission, all students must have completed high school or its equivalent. Students must also submit:

• a completed ALCI application form
• a letter of financial guarantee
• proof of high school completion (translated into English)
• a $50.00 application fee.
• A non-refundable deposit ($300 if housing requested, $200 if not)

ALCI will then reserve space in the program and process the I-20 visa application form. At registration, the deposit will be applied toward the student tuition and housing, if applicable.

Clark University was founded in 1887 as the first graduate university in the United States. Today Clark is a private, co-educational university offering undergraduate, graduate, and continuing educational study in almost 50 fields. It is respected internationally for its teaching and research.

Clark University is diverse for its size; the 2000 full-time undergraduates and 700 graduate students come from throughout the United States and from more than 75 countries. These students help enhance the University global perspective. International students admitted to Clark degree programs usually have above-average academic records. Students who want to study in one of Clark's degree programs without further English study should apply directly to Clark University, not to ALCI. Students who need to improve their English language proficiency before applying to Clark however, should apply to ALCI directly.