The International Center for Academic and Professional English at Lehigh University helps multilingual speakers of English improve their communication skills with flexible, student-focused program options that are grounded in evidence-based practice and connected to the resources of the larger university community.
Part of a robust academic advising structure, ICAPE is more than English as a Second Language (ESL). Our dedicated team of professional instructors offer non-credit and credit courses, workshops, tutoring and testing services to help multilingual speakers of English improve their writing and communication skills as well as their academic and social integration. We also offer intensive English pathway programs for Conditional Admissions to Lehigh University.
ICAPE is located in Maginnes Hall 246.
Announcement: Winter 2021 Opportunity
Internship in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages
Dates: January 4, 2021 to February 28, 2021 (internship placement work for a mimimum of 6 weeks)
This non-credit internship is for undergraduate as well as graduate students who have little to no experience teaching English to speakers of other languages but who have an interest in learning about teaching in the U.S. and overseas. The internship program involves virtually meeting with a teacher in the U.S. or overseas, virtually observing and participating in their class, and meeting occasionally with the internship manager to reflect on your internship experiences. A final e-portfolio reflecting on your internship experiences is required. This is an unpaid internship. A certificate is awarded upon successful completion.
Apply for an Internship: Click Here
Application Fee (non-refundable): $25 Click Here
Application Deadline: December 18, 2021 (acceptance by December 22)
For questions: elr312@lehigh.edu
WHO ARE MULTILINGUAL STUDENTS? WHO IS ESL?
Considering the global spread of different varieties of English and the various ages at which students achieve proficiency in the language domestically and internationally, the single term “ESL” no longer characterizes the rich diversity that they bring to campus. The term “multi-lingual speaker of English” captures a broader variety of more proficient English users.
What We Offer
StepUp Intensive English
This intensive program helps conditionally admitted and non-degree-seeking students develop high-intermediate to advanced levels of English language proficiency.
Workshops
Our workshops address the specific academic and social challenges of multilingual speakers and writers.
TOPSS and Other Testing Services
In accordance with Pennsylvania regulations, ICAPE uses the TOPSS and OPI to assess instructional faculty and certify their English language fluency.
Credit Courses for Current Students
ICAPE offers advanced academic English courses for undergraduate and graduate students, as well as courses in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL).
Tutoring
The English Language Learning and Assessment Lab (ELLA) offers tutoring, assessment and workshops in English language skills.
Resources for Faculty
ICAPE helps faculty meet the needs of multilingual students in their classes with faculty resources, classroom observations and individual consultations.
Student Spotlights
Giving International Students a Voice
After taking English classes with ICAPE, Winnie Gu ’19, ’21G founded International Voices, a student publication

Working to Make a Difference
Kalim Abed, a Ph.D. candidate in special education from Afghanistan, says StepUp prepared him for his graduate studies.

‘The future is exciting’
Odilon Niyomugabo ’21, an industrial and systems engineering major from Rwanda, says his English classes provided a warm welcome to a new place.
Our Staff
Mark Ouellette
Director, International Center for Academic and Professional English
mao417@lehigh.eduKayla Landers
Language Specialist – TOPSS/OPI for Teaching Assistants
phone: (610) 758-6180 kml315@lehigh.edu