Postgraduate Seminar

The Postgraduate Seminar is an intensive English program designed for international students currently enrolled or planning to attend graduate school in the U.S., as well as for mature students and professionals seeking an academically-focused English study experience. This program prepares you for the rigorous demands of graduate-level coursework by refining your academic writing, speaking, and critical thinking skills.

Through focused practice, you will enhance your proficiency in both spoken and written English, while gaining a deeper understanding of U.S. academic culture and expectations. The Postgraduate Seminar provides the tools and confidence you need to excel in your graduate studies and beyond.

[cal] Important Dates

Program Dates:
Session B, June 30 - August 1, 2025

Application Deadline:
May 5, 2025

The 2025 application will open in mid-January 2025.

Postgraduate Seminar Courses

Presentation Skills for Postgraduate Students

This course is designed to prepare you for the demands of graduate school while honing your speaking and academic writing skills (such as abstracts, emails, and other concise written forms). You will refine both your spoken (including idiomatic expressions) and written English, while deepening your understanding of U.S. academic culture at the graduate level.

Upon successful completion of this course, students will be able to:

• Present Effectively: Deliver multiple types of presentations of increasing length in English, incorporating feedback to revise and improve.
• Master Written Communication: Develop, compose, edit, and revise a range of written materials, from short emails to more complex academic texts.
• Engage in Meaningful Discussion: Respond thoughtfully to audience questions, listen critically to presentations and guest speakers, and ask relevant questions. You will also practice debating, discussing, and politely disagreeing on various topics (including speakers, videos, and readings).
• Gain Confidence in Speaking: Build comfort in both academic and informal speaking situations, and present material without relying on note cards or slides.
• Navigate Data and Sources: Document secondary sources according to accepted academic guidelines, and guide your audience through charts, tables, and other data.
• Provide Constructive Feedback: Offer useful oral and written critiques to peers to foster a collaborative learning environment.
• Adapt to U.S. Academic Culture: Learn and practice key skills used in graduate-level U.S. academia, including open discussion, critical debate, and scholarly communication.

This course will not only enhance your academic language skills but also prepare you for successful participation in graduate school discussions and presentations.

Writing for Postgraduate Students

This course is designed to help postgraduate students refine and elevate their academic writing skills to meet the rigorous demands of graduate-level studies. Focusing on the critical writing tasks you'll encounter in your academic journey, the course covers research papers, literature reviews, essays, and thesis writing, with a special emphasis on clarity, coherence, and academic style.

Throughout the course, you will:

• Develop Advanced Writing Techniques: Learn how to structure complex academic arguments, refine your thesis statements, and develop clear, persuasive writing.
• Master Citation and Referencing: Gain proficiency in citing sources correctly according to various academic styles, including APA, MLA, and Chicago.
• Enhance Analytical Writing: Improve your ability to critically engage with academic texts, synthesizing information to support your own research and ideas.
• Polish Editing and Revision Skills: Learn strategies for revising your drafts, improving readability, and avoiding common mistakes in academic writing.
• Engage with Peer Feedback: Participate in peer review activities, providing and receiving constructive feedback to enhance your writing.

By the end of the course, you'll have the tools and confidence to produce high-quality written work, and be prepared to tackle the writing challenges you’ll face throughout your postgraduate studies. Whether you’re writing research papers, reports, or your thesis, this course will ensure your writing is clear, compelling, and academically rigorous.

Critical Thinking and Analysis

This course is designed to equip pre-graduate students with the essential critical thinking and analytical skills needed for success in American higher education. Focusing on the process of evaluating, interpreting, and constructing arguments, the course encourages students to think deeply, logically, and independently.

Throughout the course, you will:

• Enhance Logical Reasoning: Learn how to identify and evaluate logical arguments, recognizing common fallacies and strengthening your ability to think critically and reason effectively.
• Develop Analytical Skills: Practice breaking down complex texts, data, and problems, learning to assess evidence, draw conclusions, and formulate reasoned arguments.
• Engage in Structured Debate: Participate in discussions and debates that challenge your viewpoints, encouraging you to defend your ideas while considering alternative perspectives.
• Improve Problem-Solving Abilities: Apply critical thinking strategies to solve problems in academic and real-world contexts, honing your ability to approach challenges systematically and creatively.
• Refine Academic Writing: Develop the skills to write clear, concise, and well-reasoned essays, reports, and research papers, demonstrating your critical thinking in written form.

By the end of this course, you will be well-prepared to engage with academic texts, contribute meaningfully to class discussions, and tackle complex problems with a sharpened, analytical mindset. This course provides the foundation for excelling in graduate studies and beyond.

Living Language: American Interactions

Exploring Informal English Through Real-World Experiences

This class is designed to highlight the fun, quirky, and sometimes challenging aspects of the English language. We’ll encourage you to take risks with language, expand your vocabulary, and embrace informal, idiomatic spoken English in a relaxed and engaging environment. The focus will be on building confidence and fluency by practicing English in real-world, everyday situations.

Throughout the course, we'll take field trips outside the classroom to explore various forms of informal speech, helping you navigate non-academic environments with ease. You’ll have the opportunity to practice your English in museums, cafes, and other local settings, putting your skills to use and gaining fluency in casual conversations.

Join us for a fun, interactive experience that will enhance your spoken English and cultural confidence!

Postgraduate Seminar Daily Schedule*

*Sample daily schedule; individual schedules may vary.

Tuition and Fees

For other fees and residential costs, please visit our Tuition and Fees page. All tuition and fees must be paid in full three weeks before the program start date.

Financial Assistance

Yale Summer Session only offers financial assistance to Yale College students. Financial assistance is not available for visiting students at this time. Visiting students should contact the financial aid office at their home institutions to discuss their options for financial assistance.

Application Information

To apply, review the application requirements for international students and fill out the Yale Summer Session application. The English Language Institute programs are offered under Yale Summer Session B course listings. Proof of English proficiency is not required for this program.