Resources

The English Language Center (ELC) creates resources to support our students and campus initiatives. English Guides build pathways to better understand Academic English, language used in campus resources, and U.S. culture. 

Each year, a Campus Reading is assigned to the incoming first-year class. ELC Campus Reading Supplements help students read such texts, which may be on unfamiliar topics, and internalize relevant themes from the reading.

Self-paced Learning is for students who need flexibility to learn on their own time. Hybrid resources on Brightspace allow students to complete modules and then schedule appointments with ELC staff to discuss module content as needed.

The ELC endeavors to provide up-to-date resources; however, hyperlinks and campus resources change over time. If you encounter a broken link and are not able to find the information you are seeking through an internet search, please contact the ELC for assistance at elc@vanderbilt.edu.

Self-paced Learning

  • Academic Communication for Post-Docs

    Developed as a series of workshops for post-doctoral scholars and researchers, this self-paced resource allows enrollees to access content and independently work on their speaking and writing. Enrollees may schedule Individual Language Coaching to discuss the content.

    Eligible students may also enroll in an in-person version of this course which is offered every two years on even Fall semesters (e.g., Fall 2026).

    The objectives of this resource are to help postdocs with the following:

    • adapt more quickly to the US academic environment
    • communicate effectively in 1-on-1 interactions, groups, and during presentations
    • comprehend rapid American speech in presentations and discussions
    • read and write English efficiently and effectively
    • develop strategies and use a range of tools to support independent, life-long language learning

    Postdocs will be able to:

    • articulate the expectations of advisors and postdocs in an academic setting
    • recognize that these expectations might be different from the postdoc's home context
    • apply strategies to better help them understand and be understood in 1-on-1 and group interactions
    • apply strategies to help them conceptualize, write, and edit texts according to  academic expectations
    • use a variety of language learning and editing tools to help them improve their language skills independently

    Eligibility

    Postdoctoral Fellows at Vanderbilt University who are affiliated with the Office of Postdoctoral Affairs may enroll in this self-paced learning resource.

  • Academic Communication for Scholarship Fellows

    This self-paced resource is intended to help Vanderbilt University scholarship fellows adjust to communication styles and expectations within a U.S. academic environment.

    It is designed to help fellows at an intermediate to advanced level of English.

     The resource contains four modules:

    1. Scholarly Reading Strategies
    2. Present Like an Established Scholar
    3. Compose your Academic Writing
    4. Additional Language Development Resources

    Additionally, enrollees may sign up for Individual Language Coaching to support their self-paced learning.

    Eligibility:

    Recipients of Humphrey, Fulbright, or similar fellowship at Vanderbilt University may enroll in this self-paced learning resource.

  • English for Business Purposes

    The goals of English for Business Purposes (EBP) are to help students do the following:

    • adapt more quickly to the U.S. academic environment
    • communicate effectively in 1-on-1 interactions, groups, and during presentations
    • comprehend rapid US speech in lectures and discussions
    • read and write English efficiently and effectively
    • develop strategies and use a range of tools to support independent, life-long language learning

    Students will be able to:

    • articulate the expectations of U.S. professors and students in an academic setting
    • recognize that these expectations might be different from the student's home context
    • apply strategies to better help them understand and be understood in 1-on-1 and group interactions
    • apply strategies to help them read and interpret challenging written texts
    • apply strategies to help them understand challenging spoken texts
    • apply strategies to help them conceptualize, write, and edit texts according to  academic expectations
    • use a variety of language learning and editing tools to help them improve their language skills independently

    Enrollees have the option to meet with a language coach for individual feedback.

    Eligibility:

    Vanderbilt University undergraduate business minors are eligible to enroll in this self-paced learning resource.

  • Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) Introduction

    Please note: The TEFL Introduction Program does NOT offer a TEFL certificate or other credentials.

    The TEFL introductory program is designed to help Vanderbilt students develop cross-cultural understanding and awareness while simultaneously providing them with an introduction to effective methods of Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL). By participating in all aspects of the program, students will develop basic competencies that will allow them to work successfully with learners who use English as an additional language (EAL) in a culturally sensitive manner. The program was created for potential study-abroad students, study-abroad returnees who seek ways to apply their cultural experiences, and those interested in applying for related US contexts and overseas placements, such as the Fulbright English Teaching Assistant (ETA) Program.

    Program Details

    The core of the program is three components:

    • Using Cultural Competencies in Teaching
    • TEFL Approaches, Methods, and Materials
    • Guided Lesson Planning

    Eligibility

    Currently enrolled VU students who are in good academic standing and VU affiliated scholars interested in teaching EAL learners may enroll in this self-paced learning resource.

    The program may be particularly beneficial for students who want to participate in:

    Enrollees may meet with a language coach to discuss resource content.

See descriptions above for eligibility requirements. Use the Enroll button below to sign up. You will receive an email confirming your enrollment.