The Intensive English Program teaches general academic English and is designed for individuals or groups who want to improve their English to meet personal, professional, and academic goals.
The Intensive English Program is a full-time curriculum of 20 hours per week. We believe that the best way for students to learn English is by taking responsibility for their own learning process. As a result, IEI classes teach students both knowledge of English and learning strategies for acquiring the different skills they need. Students participate in a wide range of activities in class that provide them with an interesting and meaningful experience.
Goals & Outcomes
We help students develop these skills:
- Giving formal presentations
- Writing research papers
- Notetaking strategies
- Conversational English – both listening and speaking
- Letter writing
- Strategies for listening to TV, radio, movies
- Computer skills such as PowerPoint
- Correct grammar usage in speaking and writing
- Vocabulary development
In all courses, we emphasize:
- Meaningful communication
- Learning by doing real-life tasks
- Integration of skills such as reading/writing, listening/speaking or reading/speaking
- Students’ responsibility for their own learning
- Learning strategies for success in skill development
- Students’ interaction with each other and American culture
Class activities often include:
- Watching videos
- Field trips
- Pair and small group discussions
- Role plays
- Working in a computer lab
- Doing group projects
In all levels, students do homework that can include listening, speaking, reading, or writing assignments. These assignments build on what students have been working on in class and enrich their learning experience.
Special Group Programs
We also work with international universities, businesses, educational agencies, and other University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign units to customize courses for groups of students or professionals with specific English needs. Learn more about Special Group Programs.