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English Language Center
  2. Programs
  3. English for Academics and Professionals
  4. English for Academics and Professionals (EAP)

English for Academics and Professionals (EAP)

The English for Academics and Professionals (EAP) program offers courses in Academic Writing, Academic Speaking, and Pronunciation. EAP courses at the English Language Center (ELC) support academic written and oral communication for students who use English as an Additional Language (EAL). Students meet both as a group and individually with an instructor to work on their specific language needs.

For a brief introduction to the EAP model, please see the following pdf which was adapted from a Language Without Borders – Brazil webinar.

Our EAP classes are typically scheduled Mondays and Wednesday OR Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9:00–10:30am OR 4:15–5:45pm. However, the schedule may differ. See the registration form (below) for the semester’s specific class offering and schedule.

Application

Spring 2025 registration opens in early December 2024. Sign up here.

Sign up for a class on the Registration Form which will be linked above when registration is open.

After you have selected a course,

  • The survey may close before the assessmentssm date depending on the number of applicants.
  • Placement into course sections is based on 1) first-come, first-served and 2) schedule availability.
  • Only one course may be selected; fill out the survey again for extra classes.
  • Make a note of the time and date of the section you selected as well as the assessment date and time. You will not be able to re-enter the survey after you submit it.
  • Wait to receive an e-mail message regarding your assessment schedule.
  • Wait to receive an e-mail message regarding confirmation of your placement into an ELC course.

  • Once you’ve submitted your assessment, you will have successfully registered for your ELC course, and your instructor will contact you the week before classes start. Email us at eap.elc@vanderbilt.edu if any changes need to be made. 

Class Information

Classes generally:

  • meet twice per week for 90 minutes each over approximately 12 weeks (24 sessions)
  • require up to 2 hours of homework per week

Assessment

Students complete a language assessment, which includes a writing sample for Academic Writing and a short interview for Academic Speaking and/or Pronunciation. The instructor uses these assessments to better understand each student’s language needs to know which areas to focus on during the course.

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Spring 2025 Assessment:

  • Assessments take place from January 6  to 9 (Select day on Registration Form).
  • All assessments take place online.

Course Costs

The ELC offers one cost-free English-language course each Fall and Spring semester to Vanderbilt individuals who use English as an Additional Language (EAL) and are undergraduate, graduate, and professional students or VU faculty, staff, and scholars.*

*Priority enrollment is given to matriculated, full-time students. ELC programming is accessible for students who pay the Student Services Fee and may be required to show receipt of payment for that fee.

Course Costs for Eligible VU Community Members

  • 1st course per semester: $0
  • 2nd course per semester: By permission only
  • 3rd course per semester: By permission only

Course Costs for VUMC Employees

The ELC offers one cost-free English-language course each Fall and Spring semester to Vanderbilt University Medical Center (VUMC) individuals who use English as an Additional Language (EAL). VUMC employees may be required to present official Vanderbilt identification and letters of appointment. VUMC participation in ELC classes is limited to 10 no-cost enrollments per calendar year, beginning January 1. Any additional potential enrollees will be required to pay $960 for each course with enrollment pending availability. Note that auditing is not available.

Attendance Policy

Since ELC courses are funded for VU community members, their continuation is dependent upon participant completion of each course. Therefore, at least 75% attendance and completion of the course is required. If you register for a course but receive a failing grade due to insufficient attendance, you may not be able to register for future EAP courses, and departments will be notified.

Textbook

After registration, your teacher will contact you with information about your textbook. You can purchase ELC textbooks at the Vanderbilt University Bookstore.

Questions?

For information regarding assessment and enrollment, please contact:

Jim Cracraft, Associate Director
Tel: +1 (615) 322-0247
Email: jim.cracraft@vanderbilt.edu

For information regarding eligibility, please contact:

Susan M. Barone, Director
Tel: +1 615-322-2277
Email: susan.m.barone@vanderbilt.edu