Build Confidence in Academic and Professional English
The five-week Academic English Program at Yale is designed for international students who want to strengthen their English communication skills while exploring areas of academic and professional interest. Through a combination of shared core instruction and specialized afternoon pathways, students develop the confidence and skills to communicate effectively in English-speaking academic and professional environments.
Study alongside an international community of learners, experience life at Yale, and build skills that support your next academic or professional step.
The Academic English Program combines a required morning course in Academic Communication in English with a choice of specialized afternoon pathways.
A Shared Core. Your Academic Interests.
The Academic English Program combines a required morning course in Academic Communication in English with a choice of specialized afternoon pathways.
Morning: Academic Communication in English
All students participate in a shared core course focused on the communication skills essential for success in an English-speaking academic environment.
Students will:
- Develop academic reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills
- Strengthen critical reading and thinking
- Learn strategies for organizing and communicating ideas effectively
- Develop academic vocabulary and research skills
- Participate in discussions, seminars, and collaborative activities
- Practice presentations and communicating ideas to different audiences
- Build confidence communicating across cultures
Afternoon: Choose Your Academic Pathway
In the afternoon, students choose a specialized pathway that allows them to apply their communication skills to an area of academic or professional interest.
Pathway 1: Business and Leadership
Explore business, leadership, and organizational communication through real-world case studies, discussions, and collaborative projects.
Topics may include entrepreneurship, marketing, decision-making, negotiation, leadership, and cross-cultural communication. Students develop the English skills needed to communicate effectively in professional settings while gaining insight into contemporary global business practices.
This pathway is a good fit for students interested in:
- Business and management
- Entrepreneurship
- Leadership
- Marketing and organizational communication
- International business
- Professional communication
Pathway 2: American Culture and Society
Explore the history, culture, institutions, and contemporary issues that have shaped the United States while developing the English and critical thinking skills needed to engage with authentic materials and ideas.
Through readings, discussions, multimedia resources, and experiential learning, students may explore topics including American history, government, education, diversity, the arts, media, and everyday life. The course encourages students to consider American society from multiple cultural perspectives.
This pathway is a good fit for students interested in:
- American history and culture
- U.S. society and institutions
- Politics and government
- Education and the arts
- Media and contemporary issues
- Cross-cultural understanding
Why Choose the Academic English Program?
Strengthen Your Academic Communication
Develop the reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills needed to participate confidently in an English-speaking academic environment.
Learn Through Authentic Experiences
Move beyond the traditional language classroom through discussions, presentations, projects, authentic materials, and opportunities to engage with Yale and the surrounding community.
Connect English to Your Interests
Choose an academic pathway that allows you to use your English skills while exploring subjects that matter to you.
Learn in a Global Community
Study alongside students from around the world and develop the intercultural communication skills needed to collaborate across cultures.
Experience Yale
Live and learn on Yale's historic campus, participate in campus activities and lectures, and experience the academic and cultural environment of one of the world's leading universities.
Prepare for What Comes Next
Build the communication skills, confidence, and cultural fluency that can support future university study, graduate education, or professional opportunities in an English-speaking environment.
Who Should Apply?
The Academic English Program is designed for international students who want to strengthen their English communication skills while pursuing academic and professional interests.
Business & Leadership is open to college students and beyond, including undergraduate and graduate students, recent graduates, and young professionals.
American Culture & Society is open to students entering their senior year of high school and above, including undergraduate and graduate students and young professionals.
The program may be particularly valuable for:
- Students preparing for study in an English-speaking university
- Students currently studying at universities outside the United States
- Graduate students and prospective graduate students
- Recent graduates preparing for further study or a career
- Young professionals seeking stronger academic or professional English communication skills
- Students interested in American culture, business, leadership, and global perspectives
Your Yale Summer
The Academic English Program is more than a classroom experience. Students become part of the Yale Summer Session community and have opportunities to experience campus life, connect with students from around the world, and explore New Haven and the surrounding region.
Students live in Yale's residential colleges and can participate in lectures, campus events, social activities, and excursions during their five-week experience.
Program at a Glance
Length: Five weeks
Session: Yale Summer Session B
Format: In-person, On campus
Academic Credit: Noncredit
For: International students
All students take: Academic Communication in English
Students choose one pathway:
- Business and Leadership
- American Culture and Society
Students who successfully complete the program receive a Certificate of Participation from Yale Summer Session.
