Multilingual Writers
The Writing Program offers several courses for undergraduate students whose first or strongest language is not English. These courses fulfill the same learning goals as other ENGW courses but are designed with multilingual writers in mind.
First-Year Writing
Multilingual students who are new to the US educational context may find it helpful to enroll in ENGW 1102: First-Year Writing for Multilingual Writers.
ENGW 1102 is designed for students whose first or strongest language is not English. The course parallels ENGW 1111 but focuses on the concerns of multilingual writers.
Why might a multilingual student choose ENGW 1102 instead of ENGW 1111?
- Offers more one-on-one attention because of smaller class size (15 students in 1102 vs. 19 students in 1111);
- Offers a community in which multilingual students often feel more comfortable participating in class;
- Offers pacing designed to meet the needs of multilingual writers;
- Often includes cultural introductions to pop-culture, humor, and contemporary events;
- Often provides closer attention to specific language use and vocabulary.
Advanced Writing for the Disciplines
In Advanced Writing in the Disciplines (AWD) courses, students explore discipline-specific genres and audiences. Each semester, the Writing Program offers several sections just for multilingual writers whose first or strongest language is not English.
Typically, the following courses are offered within an academic year:
- ENGW 3302 (Technical Professions)
- ENGW 3304 (Business Administration Professions)
- ENGW 3315 (Interdisciplinary Writing)
Typically, multilingual sections:
- Offer more one-to-one attention because of smaller class size (15 students vs. 19 students in a regular AWD section);
- Offer a community in which multilingual students often feel more comfortable participating in class;
- Offer pacing designed to meet the needs of multilingual writers;
- Often include cultural introductions to pop-culture, humor, and contemporary events;
- Often provide closer attention to specific language use and vocabulary.
Registration
Students who wish to register for a multilingual section are required to complete the Multilingual AWD Course Survey.
Individual Writing Support
The Writing Center
The Northeastern Writing Center (a branch of the Writing Program) provides free and friendly writing consultations for students, faculty, staff, and alumni. At the Writing Center, you’ll likely be working with an undergraduate or graduate student consultant who can assist you with any stage of the writing and revision process, from brainstorming to final draft. You can also find additional writing tips and tools on their website.
The International Tutoring Center
The International Tutoring Center (ITC) provides free English as a Second Language (ESL) tutoring for international NU students, faculty, and staff. At the ITC, you can make appointments with ESL specialists that focus on conversation, career prep, reading, test prep (e.g. for TOEFL/IELTS), pronunciation, and writing. The ITC also provides workshops in language and culture, reading, and more.