English Language Institute Course Information

The English Language Institute offers both Academic Year programs and Short Term programs, designed for 3-6 week time periods. Follow this link to see starting dates and costs.

Academic Year Program

The English Language Institute offers 8 levels of proficiency from novice to advanced.

Skill-building levels (1, 2, 3) are courses that emphasize the development of basic language skills and provide a cultural orientation. Basic vocabulary, conversation, reading, grammar, listening, and pronunciation skills are practiced in interesting topic areas to provide a solid foundation in language ability. Students may need to repeat this level until ready for intermediate courses.

Intermediate levels (4, 5) are pre-academic courses that emphasize the academic use of language and a college-level atmosphere. They also help develop the skills necessary to be successful in university classes with native speakers. Academic vocabulary development is an important part of these classes. A TOEFL preparation class introduces students to the format of the test and strategies needed to take it.

High intermediate level (6) introduces students to content-based courses. In these classes students develop their English skills while studying subjects that are culturally and linguistically rich. Classes in video, drama, speech and debate provide exciting opportunities for expression.

Bridge Course levels (7,8). This semester-long course prepares students for work in an American university classroom. Required courses in college preparation, academic writing and oral proficiency are combined with electives in advanced grammar, business English, and intercultural communication. Successful completion of the entire Bridge Course allows students to enter the University of Utah as an undergraduate without a TOEFL score.

Follow the links below to learn more about our proficiency levels:

Beginning levels 1-3 (Skill-Building)
Intermediate levels 4-5 (Pre-Academic)
High Intermediate 6 (Content-Based)
Bridge course levels 7, 8 (College-Preparation)
Graduate Preparation Course
TOEFL course

Please be aware that not all of the classes are offered every session. Students are evaluated at the end of each session as to their ability to move to the next level. Due to different backgrounds, learning styles and to the amount of work a student does outside of class, it may take two or more sessions for a student to progress to the next level.

Summer Short Term Program

Enjoy a semi-intensive course of study, spending no more than three hours a day in class. Emphasizing integrated language skills and spoken communication, qualified instructors let you work at your own pace.
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Special Programs

Su Banco: Advanced English Language Training for Local Spanish Speakers - This scholarship program is for Spanish-speaking Latinos/as as well as speakers of other languages who are graduates of Salt Lake valley ESL programs.
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