Intensive English Program

Students in the intensive English program are in class for 25 hours per week, Monday through Friday. All students take classes in Grammar, Composition, Reading, Listening, and Speaking. Classes include serious topics such as writing a research paper and listening to lectures, and also special learning activities such as writing & performing a skit, watching videos, & playing word games.

Small classes of 3 to 15 students allow ELI teachers to meet the individual needs of students and provide high-quality instruction.

New students are given placement tests on their first day at ELI and are placed in one of six levels of English ability. After completion of each session, a student is able to move up one level. Students who finish Level 6 receive a Certificate of Completion and meet the English language requirement for degree programs of the University of Bridgeport.

Students may join weekend trips to destinations such as New York City, Niagara Falls, and Washington, D.C., and may participate in beach outings, winter ski trips, and activities on campus that allow students to have fun while increasing their knowledge of American culture and language.

Schedule

Session Dates for 2007-2008

Curriculum Highlights

• A student completing all levels studies all the major areas of grammar.
• Advanced grammar classes focus on editing.
• Low Intermediate classes learn paragraph writing; High Intermediate classes learn multi-paragraph essays; Advanced classes continue with essay writing and prepare a research paper.
• Academic reading skills at the appropriate level are addressed in all classes.
• High Intermediate and Advanced classes practice academic lecture note-taking.
• Students read abridged novels and watch ESL videos for homework as the basis of speaking classes.

Other Highlights:

• Upper-level students have the opportunity to participate in an informal conversation group with American students after classes (currently Mondays and Thursdays).
• Students generally have the opportunity to visit university classes and attend campus lectures.

Class Presentations

        Fawzia AlMusharrekh of United Arab Emirates introduces her culture to her classmates. (April, 2008) 

         Level 6 classmates listen to Fawzia's presentation