What is PLaCE?

Who We are and What we Do

PLaCE—the Purdue Language and Cultural Exchange—is an instructional program in the College of Liberal Arts that supports international students across the university—from first-semester undergraduates starting their higher education journeys, to graduate students finishing their research projects. PLaCE helps Purdue’s international students to develop their English language and intercultural cultural competencies so that they can successfully participate in university activities and compete for graduate school and employment opportunities. 

PLaCE began as a pilot program in 2014 to address the needs of the university’s significant growth in international undergraduate students in previous years. In 2017, the Board of Trustees approved a fee-based funding model to provide sustainable financial support (see December 8, 2017, memo from Office of the Provost, “Change in International Student Fee”). In 2024, PLaCE celebrated its tenth-year anniversary. 

PLaCE organizes its work in four main areas: 

Foundational Courses 

SCLA 11000 and SCLA 11100

This sequence of courses is designed for qualifying first-year international students, to help them successfully bridge to their academic studies and associated experiences at Purdue and in the U.S. The courses help students to strengthen their English language proficiency, interpersonal communication, and understanding of cultural and institutional values and practices.  

English Boost 

Non-credit options for graduate and undergraduate international students on a wide range of language skills and communication topics. English Boost services include Language Coaching (individualized consultations and long-term support), Short Courses and Workshops (structured instructional sessions), and Conversation Clubs (faculty-led weekly sessions where students can use English in social settings and explore topics and communities outside of their regular academic area). Learn more at https://placepurdue.mywconline.com/  

Language Assessment and Program Evaluation 

Assessment of students’ academic English language proficiency as well as regular evaluation of program design and instructional effectiveness. All PLaCE Lecturers are trained as test raters, and our testing office develops, maintains, and administers the ACE-In and oversees other assessment and evaluation initiatives.  

Campus Partnerships and Outreach 

Custom English language programs for campus partners, collaborations about student learning, instructional effectiveness, and English language proficiency, as well as support for internationalization-at-home initiatives and international collaborations.

Please email us: place@purdue.edu with inquiries.