English for Academic Success Program

The English for Academic Success (EAS) Program is for students planning to pursue an undergraduate or graduate degree at an institution in the United States. Students can complete this program online or in person at Clark University to prepare for their degree.

Program details

The English for Academic Success Program is designed to support student success through language learning. Whether the student is placed in ALCI as a part of their degree program at Clark University or is only interested in taking the English courses, all students in the EAS program can expect a course structure that will help them build and hone their English skills in all four disciplines: Reading, Writing, Speaking, and Listening. Along the way, students also will become familiar with the U.S. higher education system, along with the expectations and high standards for academic work of all Clark University students. Whether the students enroll in one semester or all five levels, they will leave the program aptly prepared for future degree programs, job opportunities, or whatever other prospects await them.

Program overview

Curriculum
Understanding your level
Sample schedule
Dates and tuition

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Class details

Levels 1 – 4: Two classes, nine hours each (18 hours total)
Level 5: Four classes, four and a half hours each (18 hours total)
Small class sizes for greater one-on-one attention
Office hours with instructors for personalized feedback and practice
Academic support available in ALCI Office

EAS courses are similar to traditional English language courses that are taught around the world at different institutions.

The curriculum for Levels 1-4 consists of two courses: Reading & Writing and Listening & Speaking.

For the final Level 5 semester, the students will take 4 courses: Learning in an American Classroom, Academic & Professional Texts, Formal Presentation Skills, and Professional & Academic Writing.

Grammar, vocabulary, academic skills and U.S. culture are integrated into each of these classes and allow for more natural and holistic learning outcomes. In all EAS levels, students can expect to build greatly upon skills necessary for university level coursework, such as essay writing, avoiding plagiarism, public speaking, group and individual presentations, and other collaborative projects.

<div class="wp-block-clarku-child-tab clarku__tab-panel" role="tabpanel" aria-labelledby="<strong>Understanding your level

Each level of EAS is designed to be completed in 1 semester, which can be completed in person or online. Though EAS students can pursue all 5 levels online or in-person, most Clark students pursuing graduate degrees are have the option to complete EAS level 4, and then move on to the in-person Pathway Program before directly enrolling in their degree program. Degrees that do not have a designated Pathway Program require students to complete EAS level 5. Undergraduate students can expect to enroll in their degree programs after completing EAS level 4. Below, you will find a chart that explains proficiency levels, and how EAS proficiency levels compare with other well-known language proficiency descriptors.

Please keep in mind that while these scores are useful indicators of language ability, we consider many factors in a holistic approach when giving students their level assignments once they have entered our program.

\| EAS Level \|	\| CEFR \|	\| ACTFL \|	\| Duolingo English Test \|
1	A2/A2+	Intermediate Low	55
2	B1	Intermediate Mid	60
3	B1+	Intermediate High	80
4	B2	Advanced Low	90
5 and Pathway	B2+	Advanced Mid	105

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Classes meet in-person 4 days a week, for a total of 18 hours. Each class is 2 hours and 15 minutes long (a typical length for university seminars and courses). This example schedule is what EAS students can expect to see for their own classes.

*Please note that this is only an example, and may not be reflective of your actual course.

	Monday	Tuesday	Weds.	Thursday	Friday
Reading & Writing	9:00 AM – 11:15	9:00AM – 11:15	9:00AM – 11:15	9:00AM – 11:15	Day off
Listening & Speaking	1:00 pm – 3:15	1:00 pm – 3:15	1:00 pm – 3:15	1:00 pm – 3:15	Day off

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Spring 2026

International Student Welcome: January 6-7
ALCI Orientation: January 8
First day of classes: January 12
Add/Drop Period ends: January 21
Last day of classes: April 27

Summer 2026

First day of classes: May 19
Add/ Drop Period ends: May 28
Holidays (no class): May 25, June 19, July 3
Last day of classes: – August 7

Fall 2026

International Student Welcome: August 18-19
ALCI Orientation: August 20
First day of classes: August 24
Add/Drop Period ends: September 2
Last day of classes: December 7

Tuition costs

Cost for fall or spring semester start: $11,220*
Summer semester: $9,250*
One time international student fee – $375

*all in-person EAS applicants are eligible for a merit scholarship for tuition of 50% off all online EAS applicants are eligible for a merit scholarship for tuition of 70% off

Housing and other estimated costs

Optional On-Campus Housing
(Standard Room: Single; Additional housing options available) – $5,015
Optional Meal Plan (Additional meal plan options available) – $2,525
Health Insurance (full year) – $2,390
Personal Expenses – $1,000

American Language and Culture Institute