Campus and Community Engagement

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Campus and Community Engagement

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We at ALCI like to embody the Clark University’s mission of service and community engagement. Below are some ways that you can get involved.

Programs and Workshops

We at ALCI hope that by providing affordable classes in English for Academic Success, we will continue to strengthen the relationship between Clark University and the greater community of Worcester. This spring, we offer two courses that can be taken together or separately: the first is Academic Reading and Writing and the second is Academic Speaking and Listening. Our aim is to appeal to community members with high intermediate/low advanced English language abilities who aspire to improve their academic competencies in preparation for higher education or employment opportunities. Classes are held in-person on Clark campus.

Important dates and course meeting times:

Summer Intensive Program

Register for both sessions by May 18.
Summer Session 1: June 3 – 14, 2024
Academic Reading and Writing 1: Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. ($100)
Academic Speaking and Listening 1: Mondays through Thursdays 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Fridays 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ($100)
Summer Session 2: June 17 – 28, 2024
Academic Reading and Writing 2: Mondays through Thursdays 9 a.m. – 12 p.m., Fridays 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. ($100)
Academic Speaking and Listening 2: Mondays through Thursdays 1 p.m. – 4 p.m., Fridays 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ($100)

Taking both classes during both sessions is highly recommended to improve your English proficiency in all four skills. ($400 total)

Did you know that ALCI also hosts amazing information sessions? Join us every other Wednesday for a variety of sessions on American culture, life in Worcester, and academic success!

January 24: Language Exchange Program
Get matched up with language partner and take turns practicing each language. Set plans for future times to continue practicing throughout the semester.
February 7: Worcester Wanderers
Learn what there is to do around Worcester! Transit system, places to eat, how to make a reservation, and more!
February 21: American Government
Are you confused by how the government works in the USA? Trust me, many of us who grew up here feel the same way! Come to a conversation about how the American system of government works, especially compared to governments around the world. Topics include: What is a US political primary? How do primaries lead to choosing the U.S. President?
March 20: Avoiding Plagiarism
That being said, we understand that views of individuality are cultural, and we want to make sure that all of our students are able to be successful. Think of it as a double check right before submitting your midterm papers!
Topics of Discussion include: Tips on how to use Clark resources to complete assignments, how to avoid accidental plagiarism, how to use ChatGPT and other AI technology responsibly.
April 3: Navigating Cultural Social Cues
Have you ever had a feeling of cultural shock or misunderstanding? No worries, we all go through that process being a new place. Come to help develop strategies for how to best communicate oneself in a mixed cultural environment. Please feel free to speak out and know that you will be heard!
April 17: Dealing with Emergencies
Emergencies can happen without warning, and can be even scarier when one is away from home. Come to discuss questions of safety at Clark, conceptions of danger and discomfort, and what strategies to employ to help everyone stay safe.
May 1: Global Art
Whether it be painting, sculpture, music, the written word, or architecture, art in all its forms can inspire and connect us no matter where we come from. As we wrap up the final week of Poetry Month, please join us in a discussion of international art and culture. If you feel moved to show a beloved art piece or to performance, we certainly welcome you to share with us.

And check the calendar for additional events throughout the semester!

Are you looking to learn or practice a language with a native speaker? Hoping to make some international friends at Clark? Perhaps the Language Exchange Program is for you!

The Language Exchange Program is run by Clark’s American Language and Culture Institute (ALCI). The program is open to the entire Clark community and is entirely free to participate in. Once you have been paired up with a language partner, we encourage you to meet up and practice as often as you wish (and your schedules permit). Any and all Clark students, faculty, and staff are encouraged to apply.

To sign up, click the link below to complete the survey. In the survey, you will list the languages you speak and the languages you want to practice, so that you can be paired up with a language partner with corresponding language desires and interests. When you get together with your partner to practice, you can take turns teaching and learning each other’s language.

Our first meet up date for the spring semester will be Wednesday, January 24th from 12 pm – 1 pm. in the ALCI lounge. During this meet up, we will provide a quick instructions for how to facilitate a successful language exchange, followed by time for you to get to know your partner, to practice speaking with them, and to figure out when the next time for the two of you to meet.

If you are unable to attend the first meet up, please email Nico at ngareca@clarku.edu, and you will receive instructions on how you and your partner can begin your language exchange.

Do you have other questions? Send an email to alci@clarku.edu.

Contact Information

ALCI Office

Office Information

Clark University American Language and Culture Institute
Jonas Clark Hall 208
950 Main Street
Worcester, MA 01610-1477 USA
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday

Office Hours:
12:00-1:00, 3:00 -4:00
Monday to Thursday
Or by appointment.

Connect With Us

ALCI@clarku.edu