Centre for Language and Academic Development

About us

The Centre for Language and Academic Development (CLAD) marks the beginning of a new era for language learning and education in the Kurdish region. While the English Department at Soran University is well-established and highly successful, its courses are designed for full-time academic students. Recognising that there was a high demand for an independent language centre in Soran that offered General English courses to the public, Soran University established a discrete institute: CLAD.
Our teachers are all native English speakers from the UK and the US. They have a wide range of experience and backgrounds and are committed to providing the best possible learning experience for students. Our classes are equipped with modern audio and visual technology and the Centre has a well-stocked library, including graded readers for Starter to Upper level students, grammar and reference books, and EAP materials. CLAD students and the general public may loan these books for up to 10 days.

Achievements

In March of 2014, CLAD partnered with the University of Leicester in the UK. Now overseen by a member of Leicester’s English Language Teaching Unit, CLAD continues to strive towards academic excellence and international recognition.

Mission

To deliver high quality English language instruction to equip students with the language skills they need to realise their personal and professional goals and positively contribute to the development of the Kurdish Region.

Courses

We currently offer General English courses at 6 different levels, from Starter level (beginner) to Advanced. Each level takes 16 weeks to complete, allowing adequate time to practice the new language you’re learning. Classes are highly interactive, including pair work, group work and many opportunities to develop your speaking skills.
We also run IELTS preparation courses for the general public. Students interested in pursuing post graduate studies at an international university must succeed in the International English Language Testing System (IELTS). Visit us at CLAD to see how we can help you achieve that goal.

Academic Staff

Administrative Staff

Student testimonials

	I have a lot of contact with foreign people on the borders of Iraq so I need to speak and write English to a high standard. Before I came to CLAD, my English was very poor for my position in my work. The teachers are very patient with and their knowledge of grammar is very good. (Talat Latif – military officer)
	I need to study English because I deal with different people from different nationalities in my company, so English is the only common language that all of us can speak. It’s a universal language. Our teachers are native speakers so it really helps us to improve our English. Doing a lot of exercises and getting feedback in class is really useful. (Layeq Fayeq – engineer)

	I’m studying English because I’m a journalist so I need to read English newspapers, magazines and books. I hope that one day I can write reports in English. CLAD has helped me to become more fluent and improve my ability in discussions and conversations. The native English speakers have really helped us get better at speaking. (Eron Omar – journalist)

I’m studying English because I’m looking forward to studying a Master degree in Political Science. Nowadays the English language is very important and we need to learn it for our work. CLAD was very helpful and the teachers really helped me improve my English, especially vocabulary, conversation and writing. Having native speakers is very useful to. (Kazhin Saeed - employee at the Faculty of Law)

FAQs

How do I join the course?
You can visit the Centre during office hours 8:30am – 6:30pm Sunday – Wednesday and 8:30 – 1:00pm Thursday. Once you have completed a registration form available at reception, you will be invited to take a short placement test during one of the placement testing weeks offered by the Centre, which will allow us to put you in the correct class. The centre staff can also help to answer any questions you may have regarding course payments, course materials etc.
When are the classes?
General English and IELTS courses run from 1:00pm – 3:20pm and 4:00pm – 6:20pm from Sunday to Wednesday and do not have more than 18 students per class. Each week, students receive eight hours of teaching in the classroom which results in 60 hours of English instruction per session.
Will I receive a certificate?
Yes, you will be provided with a certificate once you complete your level or session.
What materials do you use?
We use the award winning ‘Face2Face’ series from Cambridge University Press. We currently offer six levels: Starter, Elementary, Pre-Intermediate, Intermediate, Upper Intermediate and Advanced. For IELTS courses, we utilize Macmillan’s ‘Ready for IELTS.’
You will be provided with a student book and a workbook, along with an accompanying CD-ROM that has many extra exercises. The classes will involve a mixture of speaking, listening, reading and writing, and the books are carefully structured to allow you to gradually expand your knowledge. Throughout the course, your teacher is available to help you - please speak to them if you need extra help!

Contact us

Centre for Language and Academic Development (CLAD)

Kaveh Road

Soran/Arbil

Kurdistan Region/ Iraq

Tel: + 964 (0) 66 264 0630

Feel free to drop by the Centre for further information or to discuss possible enrolment in a course with one of the friendly administration staff.