The Intensive English Program (IEP) is a comprehensive, non-credit program in English for speakers of other languages. It is designed for motivated individuals, aged 17 and older, who wish to learn English or to improve their command of the language for university study or for business or professional advancement.

The program includes 12 students in an average class and there are 100 students in an average session. During each session, students are involved in special activities such as field trips and social events.

They are encouraged to participate actively in classes, and learn all skills of the language through a variety of materials, projects and access to computer language labs. The program also offers a challenging curriculum with regular homework.

The Intensive English Program classes meet Monday through Thursday in the mornings and the afternoons during fall and spring sessions. In summer sessions, classes may also be on Fridays. Students receive their class schedules after they complete the placement exam and receive their level assignment.

Students receive 20-25 hours of classroom instruction per week in courses that practice reading, composition, vocabulary development, grammar, listening, pronunciation, conversation, and academic study skills. They also take up one week of elective classes in each session.

The Intensive English Program is offered in five levels: 1, 2, 3, 4, and 5 (advanced). While students in levels 1, 2, 3, or 4 take two classes in reading/writing and listening/speaking, students in level 5 take two classes in advanced academic skills and advanced language applications.

When students successfully complete each level of study, they receive a certificate of completion.

Skills that students acquire

In the reading/writing class:

• Reading
• Vocabulary
• Grammar
• Composition
• Study skills
• Cultural awareness

In the listening/speaking class:

• Listening
• Pronunciation
• Grammar
• Vocabulary
• Conversation
• Cultural awareness

In the Advanced Academic Skills class (for level 5 students only):

• Writing
• Study of academic content
• Academic seminars
• Guided independent study

In the Advanced Language Applications class (for level 5 students only):

• Speaking
• Exploration of cultural topics
• Organized literature discussion facilitation
• Formal presentations
• Evaluative reports
• Idiom study

Students of Intensive English Program have homework every day that includes reading, writing, listening, and speaking practice. The homework involves regular use of books, newspapers, magazines, radio, television, telephones, libraries, and computers.

Electives week

Each semester, the Intensive English Program offers 1 week of elective (selected) courses. These courses are offered in place of the regular reading/writing and listening/speaking classes for the week and allow students to choose areas of language study for special focus according to their needs.

Examples of past elective courses:

• Business Writing
• Country Music: Johnny and Friends
• Current Events and Newscast
• Debate
• Focus on Film: American Animation
• Getting Around Chicago
• Successful Spelling Strategies and Typing Made Easy
• Writing a Personal Statement

The courses in the Tutorium’s Intensive English Program also offer excellent preparation for success with the TOEFL iBT, IELTS and English in academic and everyday life.

In the Intensive English Program classes, students learn to summarize information and state an opinion in both speaking and writing. They practice finding main ideas quickly and making inferences in both reading and listening. Students improve grammar and vocabulary while practicing reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills. They also use technology to develop these four skills.

The Intensive English Program courses teach integrated skills. While every class combines skills of reading with writing and listening with speaking, the daily exercises combine skills of reading with speaking and listening with writing. Courses at the high-advanced level integrate all four skills.

Requirements

All Tutorium applicants must be at least 17 years and have the equivalent of a US high school education. (Documentation may be requested). Applicants are not required to send their scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or any other tests. Applications from overseas should be received 4-6 weeks before the start of the session.

Application instructions

Generally, students are advised to complete the Tutorium’s online application form.

In cases where students do not have access to a computer, they are required to download and complete the application PDF instead and send to the institution.

Students must take note of the following instructions while applying:

1) Answer all questions on the application form.

2) For an I-20 student visa, students must follow the application directions, and make sure to include:

• A copy of their passport
• A bank letter
• Affidavit of Support (in the case of a sponsor)

3) Pay the non-refundable USD 175 towards application fee – which can be paid by credit card on the online payment site or in person at the office. Students may also mail the check or money order (payable to University of Illinois).

4) Fees must be paid in full and scholarship financial letters must be received on or before the due date to guarantee registration.

The full-time tuition fee comes to USD 5325, while the insurance fees for international students vary between USD 450 to USD 350.

Download prospectus.

Computer resources

Each week, Tutorium classes make use of the special computer lab - the Student Computer-Aided Instruction Laboratory (SCAILAB). Tutorium students have priority access to SCAILAB before and after class. They can use the SCAILAB to do their homework, practice English and improve their computer skills.

SCAILAB has:

• Special software to improve English
• Special software to practice for the TOEFL iBT
• Advanced computers and fast Internet access

Field trips

The Intensive English Program offers field trips and social events to help students explore American culture. Field trips are also an excellent way for students to see the city of Chicago, practice English, and make new friends.

Field trips may include:

• Chicago River and Lake Michigan boat tour
• Chicago Museums
• Music and food festivals
• Ice skating at Millennium Park
• The Chicago Auto Show

University admissions counseling

Most Tutorium students want to apply to universities in the United States. The Tutorium offers advising on:

• The United States university system
• The TOEFL iBT, IELTS and other entrance tests
• How to choose a university
• How to complete applications

On-campus housing

Tutorium students can live on campus in one of the UIC Residence Halls. Applications are processed in the order in which they are received, and rooms are assigned based on availability. To apply for housing on the UIC campus, students must fill out the on-campus housing application.

Homestay

The Tutorium offers a homestay program through the American Homestay Network. Homestay is an opportunity to live in a home with an American family located near the students’ school. Host families provide a private bedroom and a private or shared bath, plus different meal options.

Host families can be families with children, couples without children, or single people. Some have pets and some do not; some live close to the campus and others may require a bus or subway ride. Students who choose the homestay option pay a placement fee and then a monthly fee for the room and meals.