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Interdisciplinary Programs

Intensive English Program

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Learn English at North Central College

The Intensive English Program (IEP) is one of two programs in The English Language Institute (ELI). The mission of the English Language Institute (ELI) is to help students improve their academic English skills quickly, through dynamic and interactive instruction in small, personalized classes. The Institute is located on the campus of North Central College, a nationally recognized institution located in Naperville, Illinois, a thriving suburb just west of Chicago.

As a student, you will experience...

  • High-beginning to low-advanced level classes taught by professional ESL instructors with advanced degrees in teaching English as a second language.
  • Small classes with personalized attention and a focus on your language-learning goals.
  • A pathway into North Central College undergraduate degrees. If you apply to your degree program and meet all academic requirements except English language proficiency, you may be eligible for conditional admission. 95% of conditionally admitted students successfully move into undergraduate classes after finishing the English Language Institute.
  • An American university experience in one of the “Best Places to Live,” according to Money Magazine. Students live on-campus with roommates and take classes in the same buildings as other university students. 

Learn more about the Intensive English Program.

What will I study?

As an Intensive English Program student, you will develop academic, professional and social English language skills in small classes, with students from around the globe. Classes prepare you for university study or success in professional settings while giving you confidence in everyday interactions.  

Full-time students take classes in Writing & Grammar, Listening & Speaking, Reading & Vocabulary, and Cultural Topics. Cultural Topics classes are typically in American Culture, Test Preparation, or College Preparation. Each class is five hours of instruction per week.

Classes typically have a Monday, Wednesday, Friday schedule or a Tuesday, Thursday schedule and occur between the hours of 8:30 AM and 4 PM.

The Intensive English Program is a two-semester program with semesters beginning in August and January. For specific start dates, please visit the Intensive English Program webpage.

  • Semester 1: students who begin at a high-beginning or low-intermediate level.
  • Semester 2: students who begin at an intermediate or high-intermediate level.

Costs

For a detailed breakdown of IEP costs, please visit the Intensive English Program webpage.

 

For detailed information about how to apply, please visit the Intensive English Program webpage.