Giving employees the opportunity to develop their skills is an important component of Drake’s culture. Here is a great learning opportunity, for those interested at Drake, to improve their English. Drake has a comprehensive Intensive English Program that offers intermediate and advanced level classes with an academic focus. If you feel that you may need additional help in a certain English skill area, be it advanced academic writing, grammar, or speaking, or if you simply would like to improve your pronunciation, you may consider taking one of these classes. The best news is that all Drake employees can take IEP classes free of charge.

View the schedule of classes for Spring 2020. The classes currently offered are:

• Reading I and Reading II
• Writing I and Writing II
• Speaking/Listening I and Speaking/Listening II
• Grammar I and Grammar II
• Pronunciation and Spelling
• TOEFL Preparation
• American Culture (This class offers regular field trips to various Des Moines locations to help students learn more about the local culture, American values, and history. This semester’s trips may include the Des Moines Art Center, the Grand Blue Mile, the Neal Smith Wildlife Refuge, and even a downtown bike tour!)

Please note that these classes are not credit-bearing.

Spring classes begin Monday, Jan. 27, and end Friday, May 8. The last day to register for a class is Friday, Jan. 31. You have an option of auditing a class at any time during the semester without registering.  If you are interested in joining one of the classes or have any questions about the program, please contact Dina Khayrushina at dina.khayrushina@drake.edu. Our office is located in the International Center on 25th Street.

— Dina Khayrushina, Drake International