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Helpful resources for international students and scholars

Northwestern Resources

The Community Council for International Students is an all-volunteer group dedicated to making Northwestern University international students feel welcome in the USA and at the University. CCIS offers a variety of social and informational programs, including Homestays, a Foster Relative program, an English Conversation Partners program (and one for spouses), an International Children's Playgroup, and other social activities.

The Graduate Writing Place has locations on both the Chicago and Evanston campuses, to serve graduate students from all across Northwestern’s many schools, departments, and programs, as well as postdoctoral students and Northwestern faculty. Clients may book appointments for individual writing consultations with Graduate Writing Fellows (PhD candidates at Northwestern) to review a variety of writing, including papers for coursework; conference papers and presentations; journal articles and manuscripts for publication; dissertation proposals and chapters; and materials pertaining to the academic and non-academic job markets.

The International Summer Institute provides intensive language instruction and acculturation to international students admitted to a Ph.D. program at Northwestern in the summer before they begin coursework. Students are nominated by their admitting departments; this program is not open to the public. The program includes coursework, tutoring, an extensive calendar of social events, and special sessions devoted to integration into the academic community, including a one-day research conference.

The International Office provides professional support and advising services to international students and scholars at Northwestern University regarding their immigration status in the United States, helping international students, scholars, and Northwestern faculty and staff, navigate the many complexities associated with student- and employment-based visa classifications within the Northwestern community. The office is committed to providing its NU clients with accurate information and the highest quality of service, taking into account institutional policies and ever-changing federal regulations. The International Office also now offers English classes for scholars, students, and spouses. Email Cara Lawson at c-lawson@northwestern.edu for information on this program and how to apply.

The MultiMedia Learning Center supports language instruction at Northwestern. Movie editing and web design software is also available on some computers, and some audiovisual equipment is available for check out. A valid NU ID (Wildcard) must be presented to check out materials from the lab.

Native Advantage is a private company started by a Northwestern alumna that offers training over the internet in pronunciation, conversation, writing and presentation skills. All Native Advantage instructors are native English speakers and can work with students located anywhere in the world. Visit the website for more details: http://www.nativeadvantage.us.

Norris Mini Courses occasionally offers low-cost English Language classes at the beginner level both to NU students and to the public. Classes focus on pronunciation, grammar, and vocabulary in a relaxed, conversational setting.

The Speech and Language Clinic in the School of Communication offers accent modification classes and one-on-one tutoring to members of the Northwestern community and the general public. Instructors are students and faculty in the Master in Speech Pathology program.

Other resources

We maintain a list of private tutors in the area who are willing to work one on one with nonnative speakers of English for an hourly fee. Private tutors are not affiliated with Northwestern University: these listings are provided for your convenience only. Fees vary, but the range for one-on-one services is generally $25-$60 per hour. If you are interested in setting up an appointment, please contact one of the tutors listed on our private tutors page. Tutors may be contacted either by telephone or e-mail, see specific listings for details.

If you have friends or family who wish to study English, we recommend the following local universities and college programs:

If you have friends or family who would like online resources for learning English, here are a few additional resources: