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Intensive ESL Program

Intensive ESL Program


Learn English as a second language.
IN THIS SECTION
  • Intensive English Language Institute
  • Intensive ESL Program
    • Application & Registration Process
    • Bridge to University Program
    • Classes
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    • Intensive ESL Program Calendar - 2021-22
    • Intensive ESL Program Calendar - 2022-23
    • Medical Requirements
    • Policies & Procedures
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    • Community ESL Program Calendar - 2022-23
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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 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
  • Flexible class schedules
  • Individual tutoring sessions
  • Opportunities for meeting new people through the Buddy Program
  • Multiple skill levels

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. You will 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • For the Intensive Program, fall and spring semesters are approximately 14 weeks long. During the summer session, we offer a choice of sessions which are about 5- or 10-weeks-long.

  • There are 8 levels of instruction at IELI from advanced beginner to high-advanced. Sometimes students from two different levels may be combined in the same class. Students with no English 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 to decide whether they are ready to move up to the next level or if they need more practice.

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

  • 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 1 to 5/week days depending on your immigration status. If you are here on an F-1 visa, you must take classes all 5 days.

  • 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 you can achieve in the Intensive ESL Program as either a full-time or part-time attendee. Items labeled "BOTH OPTIONS" show that the service is avaliable for full-time and part-time attendance.
BOTH OPTIONS

8 Skill Levels

You will be assigned a level based on your current (pre-program) English language skills. Levels begin with students who have minimal English experience. Students with no English skills will be placed at the closest level.
BOTH OPTIONS

Orientation & Graduation

During orientation, the Intensive ESL Program gives placement tests to determine the skill 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.
BOTH OPTIONS

Fall, Spring, & Summer Sessions

Fall and spring sessions are 14 weeks; summer sessions are 5 to 10 weeks.
BOTH OPTIONS

Meet F-1 Student Visa Requirements

Both options for the Intensive ESL Program meet the requirements of an F-1 student visa.
FULL-TIME OPTION

20 Hours per Week

This length of time given to studying and practicing English is what you can expect from the full-time option. These hours will help you improve your listening, speaking, and writing skills at a pace that saves you time and leaves you remembering the content.
PART-TIME OPTION ONLY

1 - 4 Day Study Weeks

Choose to take individual intensive classes 1 - 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.
PART-TIME OPTION ONLY

Improve a Specific Skill Area

With the part-time option, your classes will be focused on improving one skill in learning the English-language. This is a great option if you are a proficient ESL learner who needs a reminder for a specific grammar/vocabulary rule.

Sample Schedule

Note. This schedule is an example of a typical study week for students who choose the part-time option. The full-time option requires more hours of completion than that seen here.
Mondays & Wednesdays 8:15am - 12:15am (fall, spring, summer)

Reading & Writing

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 to prepare for the American college experience. Note: The days this class runs, Monday and Wednesday, cannot be separated.
Tuesdays 1 - 5pm (fall and spring); 8:15am - 12:15pm (summer)

Listening & Speaking

Students practice giving speeches, note-taking, and give oral presentations 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.
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 upper intermediate and advanced levels 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.

Questions?

Request Info

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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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