Services in the Academic Support Center

The Academic Support Center (ASC) has on staff a counselor for international students, who can assist individuals in gaining the tools necessary for academic success in the United States. ASC services available to international/multilingual students include:

Individual Instruction: Students can meet with the ASC counselor for international students for individual instruction in academic skill areas and to ease the transition to academic culture in the United States. Students may talk about such topics as time management, textbook reading, note taking, classroom presentations, and preparation for exams. Students can also discuss adapting to higher education in the U.S., both in and out of the classroom. Appointments can be made in person in Mary Graydon Center 243 or by calling 202-885-3360.

Group Study Skills Workshop Series: Workshops are provided on a variety of study skills topics by Academic Support Center staff, including writing workshops for international students. A workshop schedule is available on-line and in the ASC office.

In addition, a weekly series of workshops focusing on classroom participation for international students is offered each fall and spring semester. Enrollment is limited to 12 participants. If you are interested in this workshop series, contact BJ Soto, counselor for international students, at bjsoto@american.edu.

Tutor Referrals

ESL: If students need to further develop their English language skills, whether in reading, writing, listening, or speaking, the counselor for international students can make referrals for tutorial support with peer or professional tutors. Students are responsible for all tutorial fees, which vary according to the tutor's level of experience.

Other: Peer tutors are available in most academic areas and charge a modest fee. The counselor for international students or the Tutoring Services coordinator can provide referrals for peer tutors in most courses. Tutor request forms are available on-line and in the ASC office.

Writing Support Writing Lab: The Academic Support Center’s Writing Lab offers 53 hours of appointments weekly with writing counselors who are specially trained to work with international and ESL students. Students can sign up for a maximum of two sessions per week in Mary Graydon Center 243.

Services Across Campus

In addition to services offered by the Academic Support Center, there are a number of resources available to international students on campus. There are services available in both Academic Support and Social Programs.