Non-Native English Speakers and Bilingual Students

If English is not your native language, we offer services especially for you.  We can help you understand what your professors expect from your writing, and we can teach you how to better identify and correct your own grammar errors.

Who is a Non-Native English Speaker or Bilingual Student?

Non-native English speakers and Bilingual students come from a variety of backgrounds with many different needs.  In the Writing Center, we work with students who...

• Learned English in school as a second or foreign language.
• Speak English at school, work, or with friends but have difficulty writing in English.
• Have never used English in an academic setting.
• Read and write English well but lack confidence in a classroom setting.

Let's Talk!
Culture and Language

The Writing Center offers an informal, casual and fun opportunity for non-native English speaking or bilingual students to practice speaking English and gain insight into American culture and life at the University of Houston-Clear Lake.

• Talk about the use of language in various mediums such as writing, music, and movies
• Discuss different types of language such as academic, social, informal and formal
• Join in activities such as reading, games, and conversation
• Meet new friends

Let's Talk Fall 2009 Hours:
Mondays 1 pm - 2 pm and Thursdays 2 pm - 3 pm
September 7 through December 10

Reading Group Hour

The UHCL Writing Center offers a weekly one-hour session that allows Non-Native English speaking and Bilingual students read and discuss various texts including newspapers, creative writing, popular media articles, and other practical documents. We will focus on understanding cultural context, vocabulary, idioms and other aspects to the reading.

Reading Group Fall 2009 Hours:
Wednesdays 1 pm - 2 pm
September 9 through December 9

Working on Writing (WoW)

The Writing Center offers one-hour sessions that allow you to practice informal writing and ask questions about how English is used for various purposes and audiences including email, narrative, argument, and others. No registration is required; just come by the Writing Center and ask the receptionist about the location.

WoW Fall 2009 Hours:
Tuesdays 1 pm - 2 pm
September 8 through December 8

Other Resources

We also have a number of books and dictionaries written especially for English language learners.  These include helpful charts about English grammar, lists of idioms and common phrases, tips on writing essays, and pictures to accompany many difficult vocabulary words.  You don’t need an appointment to come to the Writing Center and use these materials. You may use them with a tutor or for self-study in your free time during any of our business hours.