People

English Language Center staff respond to individual needs for language and culture support so that our students can thrive in a U.S. academic environment.

an instructor speaks in front of a white board

Experts in English Language Teaching and Learning

ELC instructors and directors are applied linguists who focus on the real-world English-language needs of the Vanderbilt University community and who make scholarly contributions to our professional community.

Director's Welcome

On behalf of our entire staff, welcome to the VU English Language Center (ELC). The ELC has internationally-recognized English-language programs devoted to helping you become more fully integrated in our university community and meeting your academic potential. We strongly believe one aspect of academic success and cultural adaptation lies in language instruction when you first arrive and throughout your studies. Our center offers high academic standards, a stimulating learning environment, and excellent resources.

You are an integral part of this university community, and we are dedicated to helping you achieve your goals as well as relieve some of the stress and anxiety that comes from performing in English in a highly competitive academic setting. Whether you are facing challenges due to your language proficiency or are working toward mastering your command of English, we are here to support you.

Please take a look at our course offerings and see how we may assist you during your time with us at Vanderbilt University.

Internships

The ELC offers internship opportunities for Vanderbilt graduate, professional, and undergraduate students. To learn more about internship opportunities, see the Internships page. To inquire about internship opportunities, contact the ELC at elc@vanderbilt.edu.

Interns are integral to the ELC’s daily operations. 

Student Interns

  • Santeri Hirvikoski

    Santeri Hirvikoski is an undergraduate student majoring in Economics and Political Science. He was born in Finland but grew up living in different cultures across four continents. He can speak English, Finnish, and some French. Santeri enjoys running, traveling, and volunteering during his free time. This is Santeri's second year with the ELC.

  • Lauren Johnson

    Lauren Johnson is an undergraduate student majoring in Human & Organizational Development and Spanish. Originally from Madison, WI, Lauren is passionate about international education and intercultural exchange, shaped by her experiences studying abroad in Spain and Chile. She loves adventuring, working with kids, and meeting new people.

  • Naomi Letson

    Naomi Letson is returning for her third year as a student consultant at the ELC. As someone who grew up bilingual (English & Japanese) and across different cultures and continents, she understands the many struggles of adjusting to life and education in a different country and aims to help make this time a little less stressful. Before attending Vanderbilt, Naomi took two gap years to live and volunteer in different countries around the world and has since spent every summer and winter break getting back to her traveling roots

  • Naznin Rima

    Naznin Rima is an undergraduate student majoring in Chemical Engineering and minoring in Nanoscience and Nanotechnology. Naznin was born and raised in New Jersey, but grew up with Bangladeshi immigrant parents, and speaks fluent English and Bengali. Naznin loves listening to music, going on walks, baking, and hanging out with friends.

  • Jessie Woods

    Jessiely Woods is an undergraduate student majoring in Neuroscience and minoring in Legal Studies. Born and raised in São Paulo, Brazil, she grew up speaking English, Portuguese, and Spanish. Jessie loves going to the beach, concerts, and exploring Nashville's restaurants. Her dream is to travel the world and make friends in every continent and from every culture.