Student English Language Support (SELS) offers individual tutoring, group workshops, and conversation opportunities to help multilingual undergraduate students develop English communication skills for academic, professional, and social purposes. Part of the Minnesota English Language Program (MELP), SELS is a free service supported by the International Student Academic Services fee.
SELS Tutoring Consultations
SELS experienced consultants are current University of Minnesota (UMN) students or graduates of the MA program in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL). They are available for 45-minute, one-on-one, appointments in person or online, during which you will receive support to improve your English language skills in areas such as:
- Speaking: Conversation practice, class discussion skills, pronunciation, grammar
- Listening: Strategies to understand lectures or classmates, note-taking
- Reading: Strategies to read class texts, vocabulary building
- Writing: Analyzing assignments, organizing ideas, editing grammar
- Nonacademic: American culture, social life, intercultural communication
This short video will help you learn more about SELS. You'll hear from the coordinator of the program, an English language consultant, and three SELS students.
Schedule a Consultation
SELS free, one-on-one consultations are available to UMN multilingual students who are enrolled in at least one class and have undergraduate status. Appointments run 45 minutes.
If you need immediate language and academic support, please consult UMN campus resources and MELP's student self-study resources.
Schedule an Online Appointment
Online consultations take place via Zoom.
Schedule an In-person Appointment
In-person consultations take place at 216 Pillsbury Drive, Room 20, on the Minneapolis campus.
Workshops and Events
Workshops
Small Talk Strategies for Successful Conversations (in person)
Date/Time: Friday, Sept. 19, 12:20–1:10 p.m. or 2:30–3:20 p.m.
Location: 216 Pillsbury Drive, Room 110
Small talk is a big deal in the United States! Join us to learn strategies and practice how to make small talk conversations with anyone you might meet. All are welcome to attend this free event!
Register for Small Talk Strategies
Professional and Academic Email Communication (online)
Date/Time and Location: Friday, October 10, 12:10–1:10pm in Zoom
SELS and Career Services are collaborating to help international students successfully navigate professional and academic email writing. In this interactive workshop, you will learn about professional email etiquette, appropriate language to use in professional/academic emails, and how to concisely write all parts of a professional or academic email.
Register for Professional and Academic Email Communication
Events
Conversation Opportunities with Culture Talks
Date/Time: Thursdays: Sept. 4, Sept. 18, Oct. 2, Oct. 16, 1–2 p.m.
Location: 216 Pillsbury Drive SE, Room 12
Date/Time: Thursdays: Oct. 30, Nov. 13, Dec. 4, 1–2 p.m.
Location: 216 Pillsbury Drive SE, Room 325
UMN students, scholars, faculty, and staff: You're invited! Join us for Culture Talks, a fun and engaging time to connect, share, and learn across cultures. Co-hosted by SELS and the Minnesota English Language Program, these popular events are a chance to practice English language skills, boost confidence, and make new friends—all in a relaxed, friendly setting. Great conversations. New connections. And yes: free cookies and coffee! What’s not to love?
Stay up to date by following Culture Talks on Facebook!
SELS Finals Hunker
Date/Time: Thursday, December 4, noon–3:00 p.m.
Location: 216 Pillsbury Drive SE, Room 12
Come “hunker down” (dig in, take shelter) and study in a group work environment with snacks! SELS consultants will also be available for drop-in consultations throughout these sessions.
SELS Consultants
David Atterberry
Director
David has worked in the Minnesota English Language Program since 2007. He has a BA in English composition and an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the UMN. He has taught abroad at a private language school in Taichung, Taiwan, and at universities in Wuhan, China, and Moscow, Russia. David enjoys traveling to new places, reading, cooking, gardening, camping, and spending time with his wife and two daughters.
Languages: Spanish (proficient)
Cayli Caruso
Adjunct Lecturer
Cayli has worked with adult and youth English language learners since 2016, both in large class and one-on-one settings. She has taught in English language programs in the United States and in Spain. Cayli has a BA in Spanish and Theater and an MA in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) from the University of Minnesota. She enjoys reading, bicycling around town, taking road trips, and playing trivia and other games!
Languages: Spanish (proficient)
What Students Are Saying
"After visiting SELS, I feel much more confident. The consultant seemed to fully understand my difficulties. I learned the strategies of reading and involving myself in discussion. It was my first visit and I got a huge feeling of support. Thank you."
"Here is a great opportunity to talk in English without hesitation."
"I think the session is helpful because the consultant not only helps me with what I have asked, but also how I can study on my own later on."
"The people in the program are very good at asking good questions about us. The suggestions the consultants give are very on point."
"The consultant recommended more polite expressions and helped me to use more specific phrases so that readers can understand me without confusion."
"The consultant helped me to understand the assignment questions. She respectfully listened and then gave me some suggestions/advice for my writing. Therefore, I could freely talk about what I think and want to write."
Frequently Asked Questions
Who Can Use SELS Tutoring Services?
All University of Minnesota multilingual undergraduate students who are learners of English are eligible. Students must be enrolled in at least one class and have undergraduate status.
Are graduate and professional students eligible?
Graduate and professional students are not eligible. Alternative resources for graduate and professional students include:
- U of M English Language self-study materials
- Minnesota English Language Program courses
- Graduate School language workshops
- Student Writing Support
- Academic Success Coaching
If you are a graduate or professional student seeking one-on-one support similar to SELS, please complete this brief survey to help us explore future options.
What Happens During a Consultation?
How can SELS help me?
Our consultants provide one-on-one support to help you:
- Improve speaking skills for presentations, class discussions, and everyday communication
- Strengthen grammar in speaking and writing
- Improve listening comprehension for lectures and discussions
- Increase reading comprehension of academic texts
- Develop vocabulary
- Improve pronunciation
- Enhance intercultural communication skills
- Identify achievable language learning goals
- Recommend learning resources and strategies
- Practice English in a supportive setting
SELS is unable to:
- Edit papers without your participation
- Identify every mistake or error
- Complete assignments for you
- Give you answers for assignments
- Help with take-home exams (unless you have written instructor consent)
- Create individualized lesson plans or review work in advance
How is SELS different from Student Writing Support?
Both offer writing support, but SELS consultants specialize in working with multilingual students to strengthen comprehensive English language skills—reading, speaking, listening, grammar, vocabulary, pronunciation, and writing.
Is there a cost to use SELS?
Part of the Minnesota English Language Program, SELS is a free service for students, which is supported by the International Student Academic Services fee.
Scheduling an Appointment
Where do individual consultations take place?
Individual consultations take place online using Zoom or in-person at 216 Pillsbury Drive SE, Room 20.
How long are consultations?
Both online and in-person appointments are 45 minutes.
How many appointments can I make?
Students may schedule a maximum of two consultations per week. No more than one consultation may be scheduled on the same day.
How do I make an appointment?
- Go to the "Schedule a Consultation" section of the SELS webpage.
- Select either "Schedule an Online Appointment" or "Schedule an In-Person Appointment.
- Choose an available time and complete the brief form to confirm your appointment
Tip: If you don’t see a time that works for you, try selecting the other appointment type.
How do I cancel an appointment?
SELS has a 24-hour cancellation policy. You are required to cancel at least 24 hours in advance to avoid limited access to future appointments.
To cancel, use the "Cancel" link in the confirmation email you received when you booked your appointment.
What if I am late for an appointment?
If you are running late for your appointment, email SELS or call 612-624-1503. Arriving more than 15 minutes late may result in the appointment being canceled and considered a “no show.” Regardless of the start time, all appointments will end at the scheduled time.
What if I want longer appointments or more appointments?
SELS only makes exceptions to its appointment policies as an accommodation for disability. We are committed to providing equitable access to learning opportunities for all students and work with the Disability Resource Center to make SELS services accessible. If you require accommodations, please email SELS.
Contact Us
[email protected]
612-624-1503 or 1-800-234-6564
Office Location: 216 Pillsbury Drive SE, Room 20
Office Hours: By appointment only