English for Academic Purposes

| Application | Dates and Fees | Transfer-In Form |

The English Language Center (ELC) at Northeastern University offers a rigorous and demanding English for Academic Purposes Program (EAP) for students who want to be accepted for undergraduate or graduate studies at Northeastern or at another American university. Designed for students with strong intermediate language skills*, your classes will develop your skills in speaking, reading, and writing so that you can gain admission to the university and perform successfully with your American classmates. The English for Academic Purposes Program is located on the main campus of the university in the heart of Boston. Renowned for its history, beauty, and top universities, Boston is perhaps the most famous education center in the United States. EAP attracts students from all over the world. Each semester is preceded by a mandatory three-day orientation.

* (TOEFL 52 or above; TOEFL score not required for application.) 

ELC students are given proficiency tests at the beginning and end of each session to determine levels and progress.

Special Features

• Four-month semester programs offered year-round
• Small classes with highly qualified instructors
• Courses that focus on grammar, listening, speaking, university reading, and writing
• Four levels of proficiency
• Modern computer and language lab center
• Assistance in university placement
• Cultural and social activities
• Conversation practice wtih Northeastern students
• Official certificates of attendance

Sample of English for Academic Purposes Class Schedule

Going home after classes at the English Language Center on a cool afternoon in October.

Click on photograph above to obtain a link to the English Language Center Facebook Group to meet and contact past, current, and future classmates.

Fall, Spring, and Summer Semesters
We offer classes at four levels of English. Courses are designed to prepare you for academic success at the university level as undergraduate and graduate students. These courses will also help you succeed in professional fields and on TOEFL and TOEIC exams. 

English Skills Development is the integration of grammar, listening, speaking, and presenting. This course aims to increase vocabulary, grammatical accuracy, and fluency in communication with small group practice, homework assignments and additional projects in the listening and video labs. 

University Reading and Research provides reading practice while covering strategies for efficient reading, skimming, scanning, identifying main and supporting ideas, making inferences, and summarizing. Reading materials include university-level text book selections, American novels, and short stories. This course also provides practice in locating and organizing research materials for university-level assignments. 

University Writing provides intensive practice in writing with an emphasis on organization, grammatical accuracy and clarity of content. This course focuses on writing well-organized and effectively developed paragraphs, with emphasis on summaries, essays, and research papers. These are skills which students need in order to succeed in American university classes and complete assignments successfully. Students will receive extensive feedback in meeting their individual writing needs.

Media Lab is designed to provide students with an integration of English communication, technology, and creativity. Students will have the opportunity to gain new skills through writing blogs, listening to and creating podcasts, using software and Web-based grammar and pronunciation materials, doing research, using PowerPoint, and making videos.

Go to the Dates, Costs, Deadlines and Fees Page to learn when programs begin and the deadlines you need to meet in order to complete your application. All Semester course will be preceded by a mandatory three-day orientation, beginning on Wednesday before university classes start. 

Go to the Student Resources Page to learn about the following important information:

• Insurance Requirements
• Dormitory Request Steps
• Use of University Facilities
• Receiving an I-20
• Withdrawal from Northeastern 
• Tuition Refund
• Conversation Partners

"This program is wonderful! Because of the Intensive English Program my dream will be a reality. At my age, my English is now strong enough for me to continue with my long-held plans to take the TOEFL and Law School Aptitude Test Exams. I will then apply for Law School."

- Jean Senat Fleury, Intensive English Program 2008


We are at the Christian Science Center complex on the first floor of the Colonnade building.  Please see attached map .