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The Language + Writing Support Programme is run by the Union for international students studying at UCL.

We're here to help non-native English speaking students with their academic writing and speaking. Our Peer Tutors run several different types of free activities to help you with your written and spoken English, including a regular programme of workshops and one-to-one sessions.

Meet our Peer Tutors

Ameeqa Qureshi

Hello! My name is Ameeqa and I’m a final year Global Humanitarian Studies student at UCL. I’m originally from Pakistan so my native language is Urdu, but I have been conducting English tutoring and coaching sessions for the past five years in both voluntary and professional capacities. I also have previous experience of writing, editing and proofreading essays and personal statements for university applications as well as working on CV building and cover letter writing for job applications. I am especially passionate about tailoring sessions to students’ individual needs and skills. Really looking forward to working with you all! 

João Gado Fernandes Costa

Hello! My name is João and I’m from Brazil. At UCL I’m studying for a Master’s in the History of Political Thought and Intellectual History but studied linguistics and philosophy in undergrad. I grew up between Brazil and the United States, so I have spent most of my life living between languages and have plenty of experience with the complexities of studying in one and thinking in another. Previously, I have also worked as a teaching assistant and as a tutor, as well as a reporter and editor. I look forward to working with you!

Nuria Benitez

Hi! I’m Nuria, a Master’s student from the Philippines. I’m studying Applied Linguistics at the IOE, and am fascinated by languages and language learning. I’m a multilingual English speaker—I speak Mandarin Chinese and Filipino at home alongside English. I also have experience as a writing peer tutor as well as an ESL tutor, and I am excited to meet and work with UCL students from all different countries and disciplines!

What do we offer?

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One-to-one appointments

You can book a 30 minute, one-to-one appointment with our Peer Tutors to discuss specific pieces of written work or get help with oral presentations. The aim of appointments is to help non-native English speaking students with their academic writing and speaking.

These appointments are not 'classes'; a one-to-one session is there for you to discuss assignments you are working on, focussing on areas you are finding difficult and particular queries you may have.

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Conversation Café

If you would like to practice your spoken English, come along to our Conversation Café - an informal drop-in session where you can meet our Peer Tutors and have a chat with other international students.

Our next Conversation Cafes will take place on Monday 18th March. We will be meeting in Phineas between 12:30 and 13:30 where you can buy coffee and cake!

Things we can help with

We want you to become a better editor of your own work and here's what our Peer Tutors can do to help:

  • Go through your work with you and help you to self-correct
  • Give you guidance on the structure, formation and language of your work
  • Point out language mistakes - but they are not proof readers!
  • Help you to prepare and practice for oral presentations, they'll give you feedback on your fluency and pronunciation
  • Specific questions and queries are also welcome

The Peer Tutors cannot review take home exams, and can't comment on the content of your essay or presentations, only the clarity of expression.

The Important Stuff

  • If you are using the service for writing support, you need to submit a piece of writing to be reviewed, at least 48 hours in advanceDon’t worry if you haven’t finished it, just submit as much as much as you can. The work must be no more than 1000 words.
  • If you are using the service for language support, your presentation should be no longer than 10 minutes and will need to be submitted before your appointment with the Peer Tutor.
  • Appointments last for 30 minutes.
  • You can amend a booking 48 hours in advance. However, if you simply miss your appointment you will not be able to reschedule.
  • Peer Tutors are only able to assist non-native English speaking international students. Language Centre students are not able to use the service. One-to-one appointments are available to all other international students, but are mainly aimed at undergraduates in their first and second year of study. Postgraduate research students are encouraged to seek support from their supervisor in the first instance.

Workshops

Our workshops cover a variety of academic and cultural topics. They are run by our Peer Tutors and have a mixture of lecture-style teaching, as well as opportunities to practice the skills being taught with the other students. Our workshops are designed so that they will be useful whether you attend every session, or just some. 

Extra Resources

You can also see what range of resources UCL has on offer to help you improve your written and spoken English here.

Interested in learning other languages? See here for courses run by Preply.