Research, Discovery & Innovation

Learn Conversational English & Practice Presentation Skills

Open Now! Spring 2023 Applications due Friday, March 17

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.

UPDATE 2/15: The Spring 2023 semester will be held VIRTUALLY, not in person as previously hoped. Thank you for your understanding.

ELIGIBILITY:

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

• BWH Postdoctoral Research Fellows, and as space allows:
• BWH Junior Faculty, Visiting Scientists, Staff Scientists and Research Technicians

COURSE STRUCTURE:

• Courses will be held VIRTUALLY until further notice.
• 2 hour, 45 minute class length plus a 15 minute break
• One class per week either on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday evening, depending on placement level
• Each semester will be approximately 12 weeks in length
• Geared to skill level based on previous experience and placement test

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 as determined by the instructor.
• 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, September 30, 2022 at 5 p.m.