Enhance your English skills & explore U.S. culture

The Summer Session EISS program provides intensive English instruction and cultural orientation for those interested in preparing for graduate school in the U.S., working and studying in an academic environment in the U.S., or in using English professionally.

The program will be offered online twice. Students may choose either session or both.

  • Three-week Session 2 (June 20–July 7, 2023)
  • Three-week Session 3 (July 10–July 28, 2023)

The program features project-based learning with a focus on the students’ academic interests and professional topics.

The instructors, experienced ESOL professionals, are dedicated first and foremost to helping participants increase their confidence in using English in authentic ways to better communicate with others. They also will provide students with individualized feedback on speaking and writing.

Via synchronous and asynchronous sessions and during individual assignments, students will

  • Discuss and write about academic and professional topics as well as issues specific to U.S. culture
  • Listen to specially selected news reports, interviews, and presentations
  • Read articles relevant to professional interests
  • Prepare and deliver presentations in English
  • Reflect on their own learning journeys and set goals for improvement.

And, for those attending Cornell for graduate school, instructors will explore Cornell's campus virtually with them to help them feel better prepared upon arrival.

As a project-based, language-expansion experience, students' vocabulary will naturally increase as they engage in a variety of activities. In addition, the bonds students form during class often extend well beyond their time at Cornell.

The class will meet synchronously from 8:30 to 9:40 a.m. (Eastern Daylight Time) on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays.

Students should also expect to meet virtually with their team members outside of these times on at least two other occasions.

Additional times for one-on-one appointments with the instructor will be arranged.

In total, participants will receive a minimum of 45 hours of instruction and engagement over the course of the program.

Note: A minimum of four students must enroll in each session for the class to run.