Learn Conversational English & Practice Presentation Skills

Spring 2024 Applications due Friday, February 16

This ESL course is offered semesterly at Brigham and Women’s by FLS International Language School. The course is geared towards postdoctoral fellows. It is designed to improve verbal communication skills to integrate non-native speakers into their English-speaking environments. Class instruction is highly interactive and conversation-based.  Please direct any questions to: BWHORC@partners.org.

As of 2024, we are expanding the class to include Mass Eye & Ear postdoctoral fellows.

ELIGIBILITY

BWH Office for Research Careers (ORC) sponsors the English as a Second Language for Scientists course for:

• BWH Postdoctoral Research Fellows
• MEE Postdoctoral Research Fellows

and as space allows:

• BWH Junior Faculty, Visiting Scientists, Staff Scientists and Research Technicians

COURSE STRUCTURE

Classes will start the week of February 26, 2024 and run for 12 classes, ending the week of May 20 / May 29 (allowing for possible cancellation).

Classes will be held once per week by level, EITHER Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays or Thursdays from 5:30 – 8:30 PM, including a 15 minute break. Depending on proficiency, classes for some students may end by 7:00 PM. Update: All classes will be held VIRTUALLY in 2024.

Please check each night of the week that you are available to attend ESL class. Flexibility is encouraged as it will maximize our ability to place you into a class at the most appropriate level.

Example: If the majority of students who place into Level 1 are available on Tuesday nights, the Level 1 class will be scheduled for Tuesday. If you then place into Level 1 but cannot attend on Tuesdays, you will not be able to participate in the class for this semester.

ENROLLMENT

• Enrollment is limited.
• Each accepted participant will be assessed and placed by the course instructor. These assessments will take place virtually: an online written test and a speaking test via Zoom. Slots for the speaking test will be arranged the week after applications close.
• Participants are expected to attend all classes. Absences will be recorded and maintained by the ORC. Excessive absences will disqualify an applicant from future enrollment and from receiving a certificate of completion.
• Anticipated absences should be considered before enrollment and should be reported in advance to the course instructor. Participants should arrange to make up class work with the instructor.
• Course levels/sections may not be repeated without the approval from ORC.
• Participants may not switch levels/sections without approval from ORC.
• Participants are expected to take required proficiency tests.
• Classes may only be attended by those who are approved for enrollment.
• Every attempt will be made to have an equitable distribution across departments.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY THE ORC BY Friday, February 16, 2024 at 5 p.m.