Intensive English Language Institute

  • Intensive ESL Program

    Full-Time Intensive ESL

    In the Intensive English Language Institute’s full-time Intensive ESL Program, you will study English 4 to 20 hours per week to rapidly improve your fluency and competency. Our small classes have 5 to 15 students from a broad range of countries.

    Our Intensive Program offers 8 skill levels. Levels begin with students who have minimal English experience. Students with no English skills will be placed at the closest level. Fall and spring sessions are 14 weeks; summer sessions are 5 to 10 weeks.

    The program:
    • is 20 hours per week
    • runs during fall, spring, and summer sessions
    • meets the requirements of an F-1 student visa

    During orientation, we give placement tests to determine the level that is most suitable for you. At the end of every semester, students receive evaluations for each class and certificates of achievement from Worcester State University.

    You will have many additional opportunities to practice your English. We offer individual tutoring and opportunities to meet with a U.S. friend through our Buddy Program.

    In the Buddy Program, volunteers from the Worcester community open their hearts and homes to IELI students for 1 to 3 hours a week. You’ll have the chance to learn about our culture and practice having conversations in English in informal settings while forming potentially lifelong friendships. Contact Leah Guzman for more information.

  • Part-Time Intensive ESL
     
    We also offer Intensive ESL classes on a part-time basis. These classes are part of the full-time program. Each class focuses on one specific skill area. We offer multiple levels to ensure that you are placed in the course that best suits your needs and abilities.
     
    Students can choose to take individual intensive classes from 1 to 4 days per week. Class times may vary.
     
  • Sample Schedule
    Monday and Wednesday: Reading and Writing
    8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (fall, spring, summer)
    Students in this class study and practice reading and writing to reach college entry-level proficiency. Students learn to understand and answer questions about written texts and write short essays in English in order to prepare for the American college experience. Note: The days this class runs, Monday and Wednesday, cannot be separated.

    Tuesday: Listening and Speaking
    1 - 5 p.m. (fall and spring); 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (summer)
    Students practice giving speeches, note-taking, and give oral presentations in order to develop fluency, build vocabulary, and reduce their accent when speaking English. Lower level classes get one-on-one instruction from a graduate student enrolled in the Worcester State University Communication Sciences and Disorders program.

    Thursday: Grammar
    1 - 5 p.m. (fall and spring); 8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (summer)
    Students who need to gain a better understanding of the structure and rules of English take this class. It is offered at all levels, from 1 to 7.

    Friday: Integrated Skills/TOEFL Preparation
    8:15 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. (fall, spring, summer)
    Students in the upper intermediate and advanced levels can take our iBT TOEFL exam preparation class. Testing strategies are discussed as well as the areas that have proven to be the most difficult for students.