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Intensive Program

Intensive Program


Learn academic and professional grade English in our immersive Intensive Program
IN THIS SECTION
  • Intensive English Language Institute
  • Intensive Program
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Contact Us
Shaughnessy Administration Building
4th Floor
Division of Graduate and Continuing Education
Site A-418
ieli@worcester.edu
508-929-8031
Mailing Address
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602 USA

Learn English at a pace and cost that is right for you.

In Worcester State University’s Intensive English Language Program, you decide what is right for you. We offer full- and part-time options that fit your busy life. Learn at your own pace and make new friends along the way.

Benefits of Worcester State’s Intensive English Language Program:

  • Rapid improvement of fluency and competency in English
  • Small, diverse classes of 5 – 15 students
  • Multiple skill levels
  • Individualized pronunciation assistance for higher level students
  • Individual tutoring sessions (when available)
  • Opportunities for meeting new people through the Buddy Program (When available)

Buddy Program

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

Frequently Asked Questions

  • For the Intensive Program, fall and spring semesters are approximately 14 weeks long. The summer session is 10 weeks long.  Students have attended any where from one semester to multiple semesters depending on their need and entry level.

  • There are 8 levels of instruction at IELI from  beginner to near fluent. Sometimes students from two different levels may be combined in the same class. Students with basic skills will be placed at the level closest to their ability, based on their placement test results.

  • At the end of each semester, instructors in each class write an evaluation of students’ progress based on outlined objectives for each level.  Students who have met or exceeded their level objectives move to the next level.

  • When you complete a semester and receive satisfactory evaluations from from instructor(s), you will receive an official Worcester State University certificate.

  • Worcester State University is a one-hour train ride to Boston and a three-hour train ride to New York City.

  • Yes, you can take classes  from 1 to 4 days per week depending on your immigration status. If you are here on an F-1 visa, you must take classes all 5 days to meet your immigration requirements.

  • Occasionally, dormitory rooms are available to IELI students on the Worcester State University campus. Please check with ieli@worcester.edu about possible availability.

    Additionally, IELI students often find apartments for rent in the Worcester area. For rental listings online, please visit: Worcester Craigslist, Worcester Telegram & Gazette, or search for: “apartments in Worcester, MA.”

More Information

Discover what we offer to help students achieve their individual goals as either a part or full time attendee.

8 Skill Levels

Students are assessed in their first orientation and placed based on their English Language skills. Levels begin with the most basic learners to those who are near fluent but desire further improvement.

Orientation & Certificate Ceremony

During orientation, students are given a battery of tests to determine the skill level that is most suitable. At the end of every semester, students receive evaluations and recommendation for each class. Students are issued certificates at the end of each semester in our Certificate Ceremony.

Fall, Spring, & Summer Sessions

Fall and spring sessions are 14 weeks;. Summer sessions are 10 weeks. Many students come for the shorter summer session while on vacation from their home employment.

The full-time program meets the F-1 Student Visa Requirements

The full-time program meets the F-1 Student Visa requirements as does our Bridge to University program.
FULL-TIME OPTION

20 Hours per Week

Studying five days a week, four hours per day gives serious students an immersive and highly academic experience that addresses all of the skills necessary to truly master the language. Classes and instructors vary in style helping students of all learning types.
PART-TIME OPTION ONLY

4 to 16 Hours per Week

Choose to take individual intensive classes to focus on a particular area of need. Study anywhere from 1 to 4 days per week with the part-time option. Note that class times during these days may vary. See the "Sample schedule" to discover what this program could look like for you.

Sample Schedule

Note. The below list shows which days each skill are is available and the times. Part time students can build their schedule around the offered hours. Full time students must attend 5 days a week at the times offered below.
Mondays & Wednesdays 8:15am - 12:15am (fall, spring, summer)

Reading & Writing

Students in this class study and practice reading and writing with the goal of college level mastery. Students begin with learning to read basic texts and create well structured sentences and paragraphs and advance to reading college level texts and writing a research paper at the higher levels. Note: Reading and Writing is a two day course and cannot be separated.
Tuesdays 1 - 5pm (fall and spring); 8:15am - 12:15pm (summer)

Listening & Speaking

Students advance from simple sentences and note taking to giving speeches, oral presentations and more to develop fluency, build vocabulary, and improve pronunciation when speaking English. Upper-level classes get one-on-one instruction from graduate students enrolled in the Worcester State University Communication Sciences and Disorders program. These one on one sessions helps students address any pronunciation areas they find to be problematic.
Thursdays 1 - 5pm (fall and spring); 8:15am - 12:15pm (summer)

Grammar

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 8.
Fridays 8:15am - 12:15pm (fall, spring, summer)

Integrated Skills/TOEFL Preparation

Students in the lower levels attend Integrated skills in which they are given a chance to pull together everything they have learned throughout the week in other classes to create a more cohesive learning experience. Upper intermediate and advanced level students can take the iBT TOEFL exam preparation class. Testing strategies are discussed as well as the areas that have proven to be the most difficult for students. High level students who do not need to attend TOEFL are offered unique topic based Integrated Skills classes. Past classes have included Linguistics and Business English.

Questions?

Request Info

Related Links

IELI Guide to Professional Licensure
International Applicants
Graduate School
Undergraduate Admissions
Worcester Living
Schools & Departments
Contact Us
Shaughnessy Administration Building
4th Floor
Division of Graduate and Continuing Education
Site A-418
ieli@worcester.edu
508-929-8031
Mailing Address
486 Chandler Street
Worcester, MA 01602 USA
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486 Chandler St., 4th floor Administration Building,
Worcester, Massachusetts 01602
508-929-8031
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