Frequently asked questions about IELS tutorials

Who can use the service?

The service is open to matriculated students of the University, who use English as an additional language and who have yet to submit their final piece of coursework or complete their final assessment.

What happens if I or my partner/spouse is not a matriculated student?

If you are not a registered student (e.g. you are a visiting student) or you have a spouse or partner who has accompanied you to Scotland, but is not a matriculated student, s/he may be eligible for ESOL support, which is provided by Fife Council. Find out more about this: ESOL webpage.

How can I book an introductory tutorial?

Instructions on how to do this are available on the introductory tutorial webpage.

What do I need to know to send in a sample of my work?

• Timing - Email your work to eltsupport@st-andrews.ac.uk at least two working days before the tutorial, otherwise tutors will not have time to prepare for your tutorial.  For example, if you have a tutorial on a Monday, send in your work by the Thursday of the previous week. 
• Type of work - You may send a piece of writing, grammar exercises or spoken work.
• Maximum length of work - Writing (800 words), exercises (3 pages), and recording of spoken work (5 minutes).
• Status of work - With the exception of work to be submitted to the School of Art History, the piece of writing can be taken from a piece of work you have already submitted, or a piece of work you are going to submit. For work submitted to the School of Art History, you can only send us work which has already been submitted.
• Labelling work - At the top of your work, write your name and the date of your appointment. Give the same information in the name of your file e.g. yourname_10sept.
• Line spacing - Use 1.5 or 2 line spacing.

How long and how frequent are the bookable tutorials?

Undergraduate and taught postgraduate students may book one 25-minute tutorial per week. Research postgraduate students may book one 50-minute tutorial per fortnight. In both cases, this is subject to availability.

Who provides English language support for international students?

In-sessional language support for international students is provided by ELT. The tutors you will meet are qualified and experienced teachers of English for Academic Purposes.

Do I have to pay?

No, this service is free and provided for you by ELT.

How much progress can I expect to make?

The progress you make depends on a number of factors. You will probably enhance your progress if you come to class on a regular basis, review material at home and actively seek opportunities to practise your English outside of class time. One way you can do this is by doing voluntary work. You could contact one of the main local organisations, Volunteer Centre Fife, for more information.

What happens if I have major problems with my English?

If you have major problems with your English, please contact us as soon as possible. Ignoring a problem will not make it disappear. You should also discuss any difficulties you are having with one of your lecturers.

Will you tell my school I am using IELS?

No, we don’t tell your school unless you have been officially referred to the service by one of your tutors.

Are you a language correction service?

No, we do not provide a language correction (proof-reading) service. However, language correction skills are taught in the writing workshops to help you with this challenging aspect of writing academic English. In tutorials, you can learn to become more aware of your typical errors and of how to make your own writing more accurate. In this case, book a tutorial and send a sample of your writing in advance.

Can you put me in touch with a language correction service?

No, but there are lists of proof-readers in the 'See also' section of the University's language correction policy web page.

What is the difference between the In-sessional English Language Service and CAPOD's Study Skills Provision?

The main differences are that the In-sessional English Language Service is exclusively aimed at the needs of users of English as an additional language and works with students at undergraduate and post-graduate levels. It focuses on three areas of academic literacy: language, culture, and academic practice.

Are there tutorials at the weekend, in the evening, or on public holidays?

No, we regret we are unable to offer tutorials at these times. All the available tutorial times are shown on the tutorial booking form.

What should I do if I need to cancel my tutorial?

If you are unable to attend a tutorial for any reason, cancel your tutorial using the booking form. Where possible, cancel at least two working days in advance. Repeated failure to cancel at least two working days in advance will result in a ban from the tutorial service.

How can I give feedback?

If you have a comment to make on the service, good or bad, please let us know by emailing IELS. IELS invites you to give your feedback via an evaluation form which will be emailed to you.