UW is home to a vibrant community of multilingual students who bring rich linguistic and cultural knowledge to campus.
The resources listed below are designed to support your engagement with language across academic, professional, and personal contexts.
Whether you're navigating assignments in different disciplines, exploring new ways to communicate, Visit International Student Services for more resourcesor working in more than one language, these programs offer tools, spaces, and people to support your work.
College Edge
➾College Edge is a program designed to launch incoming first-year UW students into their college careers a month ahead of schedule. Come to UW in mid-August to learn about campus, build friendships, and meet faculty members!
"This program made me very excited to continue school here. I loved meeting people interested in similar things as I am. I liked having an opportunity to start college in a less overwhelming way.”
– former College Edge studentAs a College Edge student, you can:
- Complete a UW course before Autumn quarter begins (arrive in mid-August)
- Get a head start on your coursework by earning 5 credits toward your degree
- Familiarize yourself with campus life and resources
- Meet other incoming students, and build friendships and networks with students who will be starting at UW with you
- Connect with a UW faculty member in a small class (25 students or fewer)
- Gain confidence, build academic skills, and seamlessly transition into your first Autumn quarter at UW
"I love welcoming students to campus and helping them feel seen through the College Edge program! The UW is a big place, but this program offers an intimate setting to forge strong relationships and build academic confidence to successfully navigate the four years ahead. I remain connected to my College Edge students, years after they have completed the program, which is a gift!”
– College Edge faculty memberWriting Studio: English 115
➾English 115 (Writing Studio) is a 2-credit writing course for international and multilingual students who are concurrently enrolled in a composition course. In this course, you can build community, reflect on your writing, and receive personalized support.
"My experience in English 115 was incredibly beneficial. Not only did the course enhance my writing skills, but it also provided me with a solid foundation for future writing endeavors. Also, the personalized feedback and engaging discussions on class truly made a huge progress in my learning process. After taking 115, I feel not afraid to write an essay independently anymore.”
– former ENGL 115 studentENGL 115: Writing Studio is a full-quarter, credit/no credit course that you register for at the same time that you are taking a 5-credit composition course such as ENGL 131, 121, 182, or 109/110. Available fall, winter, and spring quarters. This small, discussion-based class (capped at 10 students) offers a supportive space to:
- Deepen your understanding of assignment prompts and course readings
- Practice writing and revision in a low-stakes, friendly, and encouraging environment
- Explore how grammar and language shape meaning
- Receive tailored feedback and support from instructors familiar with composition courses
- Build a close-knit writing community with peers who share similar multilingual or international experiences
- Reflect on your writing process and strengthen your confidence as a communicator
- Earn 2 credits toward your W requirement
ENGL 115 does not require additional essays—it supports the work you're doing in the 5-credit composition course you're taking at the same time.
Learn More About ENGL 115: Writing Studio
"I think it is helpful to take ENGL115 with other English composition or writing courses, as we can get support and advice from instructor and classmates about essays during the class. Also, the content of the class is interesting, like analyzing the differences of versions in different languages and intertextuality between two texts. I absolutely recommend taking it along with other English class.”
– former ENGL 115 studentOWRC's one-to-one consultations
➾Tutors at the Odegaard Writing & Research Center (OWRC) are trained to work with multilingual learners and bring a diverse range of language and cultural knowledge to tutoring sessions.
The Odegaard Writing & Research Center's (OWRC) peer tutors provide a friendly, non-judgmental, supportive environment for you to get one-to-one feedback on your work. OWRC tutors are trained to work with multilingual learners and can help writers with:
- Identifying, tracking, and self-correcting their own language errors
- Becoming more comfortable speaking English in semi-formal environments
- Trying out and using different vocabulary
- Understanding different prompts, assignments, and genres
- Learning about U.S. academic cultures
Academic English Program (AEP)
➾The Academic English Program offers courses for undergraduates who want to get more practice with academic English prior to enrolling in a composition course.
Courses in the Academic English Program are a quarter long and count toward enrollment requirements.
Please note that there is an additional course fee (listed on the Time Schedule) for each AEP course. AEP offers these courses:
- ENGL 102: Essentials of College Reading & Writing
- ENGL 103: Writing From Sources
- ENGL 104: Essentials of College Communication
- ENGL 105: English for International Teaching Assistants
Language Learning Center
➾The Language Learning Center is a welcoming space for multilingual students to practice language skills, connect with peers, and explore tools and resources for learning and communication. Check out the weekly conversation practice hour, sponsored by the LLC and UW CIRCLE!
The Language Learning Center (LLC) offers multilingual students a supportive environment to engage with language in meaningful and practical ways. Whether you’re looking to build fluency, maintain your home language, or explore new ways to connect across cultures, the LLC has resources for you. At the LLC, you can find:
- English Conversation Practice Hour, a weekly drop-in opportunity to practice speaking in a low-pressure, friendly setting
- Language Exchange Partner and Tutoring Board lets you connect with other students, either to practice or to become a tutor
- Language labs and digital tools that support your learning goals
- Events and programs designed to celebrate language diversity and build community
- Multimedia and language learning apps that help you explore new ways to read, write, listen, and speak
The LLC is also a space where your multilingual and multicultural knowledge is valued. Whether you're continuing a language you already speak or learning a new one, you'll find tools, community, and encouragement to grow.
Visit the Language Learning CenterCIRCLE of Friends
➾CIRCLE of Friends is a welcoming space for international and multilingual undergraduates to connect, relax, make friends, and enjoy campus life through weekly social events.
CIRCLE of Friends is a student-led community designed especially for international undergraduates and students interested in global cultures. It’s a great place to make friends, explore cultural perspectives, and enjoy fun, low-pressure activities that help you feel at home on campus. In CIRCLE of Friends, you will:
- Join meaningful conversations and fun events twice a week
- Meet students from different countries and backgrounds
- Enjoy free snacks, games, crafts, helpful presentations, and more
- Find support, ask questions, and share experiences in a safe, inclusive space
- Connect with UW staff and student leaders who understand international student experiences
CIRCLE General Studies Course: GEN ST 205
➾General Studies (GEN ST) 205 is a two-credit in-person course available every autumn, winter, and spring quarter for international and multilingual students to set goals and build skills for academic and personal success.
CIRCLE General Studies (GEN ST) 205 is taught by CIRCLE Student Success & Well-being Coach Maja Kelly and is designed for international and multilingual students who may want:
- Extra support to transition to UW
- A 2-credit in-person class to fulfill visa requirement
- Dedicated space to help build a sense of belonging
- A regular opportunity to share experiences in a safe, inclusive space
CIRCLE STUDENT SUCCESS & WELLBEING COACHING
➾CIRCLE Student Success & Wellbeing Coaching offers international students a variety of ways to access free, completely confidential 1:1 coaching appointments.
CIRCLE's Student Success & Wellbeing Coach knows that college is not always easy. Navigating college in an entirely different country with unfamiliar cultural traditions and unspoken living practices can be difficult and feel lonely. CIRCLE offers free and completely confidential:
- Zoom or in-person appointments
- Strategies and resources that could help you achieve your personal and academic goals
- Appointments for 1:1 coaching sessions
LET'S TALK DROP-IN COUNSELING & SUPPORT
➾Let’s Talk provides students free 1:1 support from experienced mental health counselors from the Counseling Center without an appointment.
You can drop in at any of the three locations at specific times:
- Ethnical Cultural Center, Tuesdays 2-4pm
- Q Center, at HUB 315, Wednesdays 2-4pm
- CIRCLE, at Schmitz Hall 250, Fridays 2-4pm
Explore more pathways below...
