The program reflects the College of Lifetime Learning’s commitment to opening doors for learners at every stage. By offering advanced English courses and specialized options in business and healthcare communication, the Language Institute is creating flexible pathways that support graduate study, professional advancement, and global engagement—all while fostering the kind of interactive, supportive environment that helps language learning take root.
The class began with this prompt: "Please speak your paper's thesis." The responses came in lightly accented voices from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, and South Korea, both online and in the classroom. Over the next two hours, students wrote, received individualized feedback, and laughed while learning brain-enhancing gestures.
One of four advanced courses in English as an additional language, the class is offered in a new hybrid format (available online or in the classroom) by Georgia Tech's Language Institute. Part of the College of Lifetime Learning, the Language Institute is piloting this format to expand access to distance learners who seek synchronous (live) interactive courses. Due to rising costs of global travel and visa restrictions, among other factors, international students seeking Georgia Tech's programs are less likely to be able to attend the university in Atlanta.
Students have varied goals; some are preparing for competitive university admissions, while others are working professionals, such as Alberto Serrano Francisco, a software engineer.
"I'm taking this class to improve my writing for work, but mainly to refresh my academic writing skills to gain admission to Georgia Tech's Master's in Computer Science program," Francisco said. "It is a great option for anyone who is limited in time or distance to participate in this course at one of the best schools in the country."
Completing all four of the Language Institute's top (700) level classes is one of three ways international applicants to Georgia Tech's graduate programs can satisfy the English language requirement. The Institute's five levels of intensive English courses meet 2.5 hours twice a week in eight-week sessions.
Two other new initiatives begin in October: Business Communication and Healthcare Communication, both short, practice-focused series of courses offered live online in the evenings. Every class includes guided, workplace-oriented practice, role-plays, and individualized feedback from the instructor.
While language study options have exploded recently, synchronous learning has significant advantages, according to Language Institute director Katherine Samford.
"Language learning is a lifelong pursuit, reflected in our students' varied personal, professional, and academic goals. In our classes, designed and led by highly skilled instructors, learners find a supportive community where relaxed, spontaneous interaction fosters language development that sticks.”
The new programs align with the College of Lifetime Learning's vision to expand access to career-sustaining pathways through affordable, scalable courses and degrees. The Language Institute will complete the design and evaluation of the new programs, including analysis of student and market data, with plans to scale for a global reach by 2026.