- ELI Online Graduate Course Sections for Fall 2026!
- Graduate Courses
- Graduate Language Clinics
- Academic English Workshops
- International GSI Program
- SUMMER EAP: Academic English for U-M Graduate Students
- Online Pre-Arrival Course: Preparing for Graduate Success
- Advising
- Courses and Resources for International Scholars, Faculty, and Postdocs
Each Fall and Winter term, ELI presents free interactive workshops focusing on specific English writing and speaking skills U-M students need to succeed in their academic and professional careers. ELI workshops are open to all U-M students.
FALL 2026 WORKSHOPS
Mastering the Art of Small Talk - Thursday, September 10, 2026; 6:30-8:00pm
Making social connections is an important aspect of academic and professional lives in the U.S. In this workshop, you will learn the skills needed to become a good conversationalist in order to make new connections and expand your social network. You will have opportunities to practice these skills in small groups so that you will feel prepared to make your own connections with friends, professors, and future colleagues.
Gen AI Tools to Support Your Academic Language Use and Fluency - Thursday, September 17, 2026; 6:30-8:00pm
It may seem like everyone is using Gen AI tools all the time, but are they using them most efficiently, effectively, and ethically? In this workshop, we will discuss ways to use Gen AI in our academic lives and explore strategies for using U-M’s AI tools to build language fluency. We’ll also discuss ways to avoid plagiarism by using these tools in a principled, ethical manner so that you can strengthen your academic study skills and become more confident using English in your research and coursework.
Writing in "Academic Style" - Thursday, September 24, 2026; 6:30-8:00pm
Whether you are writing a research article, class assignment, conference abstract, or dissertation, your goal is for your text to “sound academic.” In this workshop, we will define “academic style” and analyze its features in different types of writing assignments. You will learn how to make effective stylistic choices that convey your ideas smoothly and clearly and express your individual academic identity, too. Bring a text you are currently working on for analysis. Please come prepared to participate actively in small group discussions.
Communicating Confidently with Powerful People: Prospective Employers, Academic Advisors, and More - Thursday, October 1, 2026; 6:30-8:00pm
Making conversation with people in a position of authority, such as a faculty advisor, department chair, work supervisor, or future employer, can be challenging in any language. This can be particularly true when navigating a new culture or discipline. In this workshop, you will gain skills and strategies to effectively interact with powerful people. Learn how to join a conversation, how to listen actively, and even to interrupt politely. Identify ways to seem friendly and confident at a job interview or competent and insightful in a research group meeting. Come ready to practice!
Planning, Writing, and Refining Your Grad School Application Essays - Thursday, October 8, 2026; 6:30-8:00pm (For students applying to masters, PhD, and professional graduate programs)
Are you applying to a graduate program for Fall 2027? Are you trying to figure out how to organize and narrow down all that you might write in your Statement of Purpose (SOP)? Not sure how an SOP differs from a Personal Statement? How does a Teaching Philosophy Statement or a Research Statement fit in? We will examine organizational strategies for different types of application essays. You will also learn ways to find the words to make a strong case for why you are a great match for the program(s) you are applying to. Please bring some rough ideas, a draft outline, or draft essays to work on during the workshop and be prepared to participate actively in small group discussions.
Tips for Effective Public Speaking - Thursday, October 15, 2026; 6:30-8:00pm
Public speaking is a challenge for almost everyone. When you give a presentation, does your voice express confidence? Is it loud enough? Do your listeners easily understand you? Is your audience engaged? Do you know how to manage the ”Q&A” time after the presentation? In this workshop, you will learn techniques to gain confidence and comfort when speaking in front of small and large groups. You will leave with tips and resources to use in future presentations. Everyone will practice giving a (very!) short informal presentation on a topic of your choice: a self-introduction, an overview of your field of study, or a quick story of an interesting experience.
