English Skills for International Students and Scholars

We encourage scholars and students to take advantage of the many ways to hone your English skills while here at OSU. You'll find everything from conversation partner programs to formal classes and casual coffee hours.

On-Campus Resources

See below for a variety of support options OSU provides to international visitors.

Writing Resources

At OSU, there are fantastic writing and research resources that will provide you with support for any type of writing project.

OSU Writing Center

Writing and research consultants provide support with any type of writing project (class assignments, research papers, CVs/resumes, cover letters, job or scholarship applications, etc.) during any stage of the writing process.

Graduate Writing Center

Provides support for graduate students, staff, and faculty working on theses and dissertations, seminar papers, manuscripts, poster presentations, IRB applications, funding and research proposals, as well as conference and defense presentations.

English Language Learning (ELL) Support

English language learners can get assistance with their writing and research projects in the Undergrad Research & Writing Studio and the Online Writing Suite. For specific help with questions of grammar, syntax, and usage, you can schedule a 25-minute grammar appointment.

Connecting with Others

There are lots of ways to connect with others and practice your English skills, through both formal classes and informal meet-ups!

English Course for OSU J-1 Scholars

Conversation Strategies and American Culture: available to J-1 Visa holders, including their family. If there is space, other campus and community visitors are allowed to enroll - just email Adria Buncal who manages the program: Adria.Buncal@oregonstate.edu. (Note: currently full for 2022-23 academic year.)

INTO OSU English Courses

10-week on-campus English courses available fall, winter, spring, and summer terms! The Academic English program provides English language instruction and academic skills, including writing research papers, understanding academic texts and vocabulary, taking lecture and presentation notes, presenting spoken and written ideas, and gaining familiarity with US values in an academic setting.

Conversation Partner Program

Do you want to practice your English? The Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center Conversation Partner program is an opportunity designed to help you practice your conversation skills and connect with a member of the local community in a friendly and informal setting! The CMLC also offers English classes (learn more at https://cmlcenter.org/events-and-programs).

International Friendship Program

The International Friendship Program provides support and opportunities designed to assist international students and scholars during their adjustment period by connecting them with friends from the community.

Cultural Ambassador Conversant Program (CACP)

If you are in the U.S. or in your home country, CACP is a great way to meet other OSU students and Corvallis community members, practice English and learn more about culture in the U.S.! CACP starts at the beginning of each term.

Community Partners

Check out these options below for resources within the local Corvallis community!

Crossroads International

Crossroads is a group of volunteers from the community that help enrich the experience of international students and build a bridge between people in our community and international students, scholars and visiting faculty at Oregon State University, and their families.

Corvallis Multicultural Literacy Center (CMLC)

CMLC hosts and organizes many diverse programs, projects and events including English classes, conversation partners, language tutoring, cultural events, and many more!

Corvallis-Benton County Public Library

This local public library provides many learning resources such as study guides, English courses, databases, and more community resources and classes.

Linn-Benton Community College (Visitors)

English classes and other extended learning options are available for a minimal fee. Click on the most recent schedule button of non-credit classes to see what is currently available.

Linn-Benton Community College (Permanent Resident)

If you are a permanent resident looking to improve your English language skills for college or work, check out the link to learn more about English Language Acquisition course options!

International Moms Group (IMG)

IMG desires to educate, empower, and encourage international mothers on their parenting journey. They provide opportunities for international mothers to learn and discuss parenting topics, cultures and customs, practice English, build community, support one another, and more.

Questions? Contact Us!