Issues related to the use of academic English by foreign students in the United States are discussed, and two college programs are presented as examples of English-as-a-Second-Language (ESL) preparatory programs available to these students. The programs are the American Language Program at Columbia University (New York) and the ESL Program at City College (New York). Various issues facing program developers and ESL teachers are also discussed: the debate over instruction in general- versus specific-purpose academic English; use of standardized language tests to determine linguistic preparedness for academic study; and the screening and training needs resulting from the increasing use of limited-English-speaking international students as teaching assistants. Finally, the implications for university faculty of students undertaking academic study in a non-native language are also explored. (MSE)