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Program Summary

students between classes

The University of Delaware English Language Institute (ELI) offers a variety of high quality intensive English programs and courses for students, business professionals, language teachers, and general language learners. The intensive English program helps students prepare for undergraduate or graduate studies at an American university, and helps business professionals learn English for career enrichment. Individuals may also choose general and cultural English courses.

The English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Delaware is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) and agrees to uphold the CEA standards for English Language Programs.

For further information about this accreditation, please contact the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, 1725 Duke St., Suite 500, Alexandria, VA 22314, ph: 703-519-2070.

University policy requires that ALL foreign students participate in the University medical insurance plan. This requirement is designed to help students avoid major medical expenses in case of illness or injury while they are in the US. You will automatically be enrolled unless you produce proof of coverage (an insurance ID card) that shows beginning and expiration dates covering your entire session of study. The premiums will be included on your bill which is payable during ELI Orientation. American insurance plans DO NOT cover illnesses or medical needs you have developed before coming here (eg: diabetes, pregnancy, emphysema).

University of Delaware| Location| Transportation| Faculty| Standards| Program| Tutoring| Laboratory and Computers| College Placement| Orientation| Housing and Meals| Host Families| Priviliges and Activities| Health Service and Insurance| International Center| TOEFL| Proficiency Tests| Special Group Courses| Visa Information|

University of Delaware 
Founded in 1743, the University of Delaware enjoys an excellent reputation in the fields of engineering, the sciences, business and economics, computer science, marine studies, agriculture, and arts and humanities. Included among the approximately 19,000 undergraduate and graduate students at the University are over 1,000 international students from, 92 different countries.

Location 
The University of Delaware is located in Newark, Delaware, a quiet, safe, and friendly college town of 30,000 people. Newark is two hours by car or train from Washington, D.C. and New York City (170 km) and one hour from Philadelphia and Baltimore (80 km). Nearby recreational areas on the Atlantic Ocean and in the Pocono mountains of Pennsylvania offer students a variety of summer and winter activities.

Transportation 
Students who fly to Philadelphia International Airport may take a shuttle bus directly to the Institute office. Newark can also be reached by train from Washington, D.C. and New York City

Faculty
All classroom instructors are members of the University's faculty,. They are native speakers, hold master's degrees in English as a Second Language or Applied Linguistics, and have extensive training and experience in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL). Over the years, many government agencies and universities have turned to ELI faculty for training in better teaching methods. Active in professional organizations such as TESOL and NAFSA, our outstanding faculty have enriched the field of ESL through their research, publications, and instructional innovation.
 
Standards 
The ELI is a member of the Consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) and the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP), organizations that promote professional standards of quality in English programs. The ELI also follows the Core Standards of TESOL (Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages).

The English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Delaware is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA).

Program 
The English Language Institute offers six levels of intensive language instruction:

  • Beginner (Level I)
  • High Beginner (Level II)
  • Intermediate (Level III)
  • High Intermediate (Level IV)
  • Advanced (Level V)
  • High Advanced (Level VI)

Each study session is eight weeks long, and students are expected to advance one level every session. Students are assigned to levels and courses based on the results of placement testing. Students' classroom instruction is divided into two courses that meet daily for two hours each

  • Listening/Speaking   The listening/speaking classes develop students' fluency, oral grammar, pronunciation, intonation, stress, and listening comprehension. The classes use current, proven methods that help students use English in meaningful ways to communicate ideas and needs, solve problems, and participate in American life on campus and in the community.
  • Reading/Writing   The reading/writing classes develop students' reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and library skills. Instruction integrates these skills to improve written communication and reading comprehension, using a progressively challenging curriculum from beginning to advanced levels.

In the beginning through intermediate levels (I, II, III), students learn general English in both classes. At the high intermediate to advanced levels, students may choose courses from three different tracks of study

  • Academic Track
  • Business Track
  • Culture Track

Tutoring 
The ELI is famous for the individualized tutoring it offers each student enrolled in the full intensive program at no additional charge. Students may choose either two hours of private tutoring or three hours of cluster tutoring (one private hour and two hours in small group work). All tutoring is with trained ESL specialists, who give students personal attention

Laboratory and Computers 
The Institute uses the University's state-of-the-art language laboratory for computer assisted instruction (CAI) and audio/video based instruction. The Listening Laboratory uses a variety of materials and technology to improve students' pronunciation and listening comprehension. The Self Access Learning Center, the ELI's own computer classroom that opened in July 1995, offers students various software programs and word processing training, as well as access to e-mail and the Internet. It combines reading skills and vocabulary development. The SALC has open hours during which time students can access the computers.

College Placement
The Institute's Student Advisers help students select and apply to undergraduate and graduate programs throughout the United States. Although enrollment in the Institute does not guarantee admission to University of Delaware degree programs, the adviser can help Institute students apply to universities appropriate to their interests and abilities.

The ELI partners with several colleges and universities to offer an Undergraduate Conditional Admissions Program. In addition, the ELI now partners with the University of Delaware Alfred Lerner College of Business and Economics to offer an MBA Conditional Admissions Program.

Orientation
Upon arrival all new students are oriented to the institute, to the campus, and to the surrounding community. In addition the Orientation Coordinator plans regular cultural trips and social activities with Americans for Institute students to enjoy throughout their stay in the program. The Institute has an active student language partner program to help Institute students meet American undergraduates and practice their English skills.  

Housing and Meals 
As part of its orientation services the ELI arranges suitable housing for all institute students. The majority of ELI students stay in University dormitories and have their meals at University dining halls. Students may also choose from a limited number of available American homestay families. Students with children or spouses may select apartments off campus.

Host Families 
Students not living with homestay families may request a host family from the community. Host families are Americans with an interest in helping and meeting foreign students for a wide variety of activities, such as dinners, sporting events, community activities, and holiday celebrations. There is a small, one-time charge for this wonderful cultural opportunity

Privileges and Activities 
All Institute students receive a University of Delaware Student Identification Card, which entitles them to use without charge the University swimming pool, gymnasiums, ice skating rinks, campus bus transportation, library, and other facilities. Students may also participate in intramural sports, attend campus cultural events, and join various student organizations.

Health Service and Insurance 
The University Student Health Service is available for use by all Institute students. Students are required to pay a fee for these services and to have medical insurance coverage.

International Center 
The Foreign Student and Scholar Advisor provides orientation and information for Institute students regarding visas, I-20's, and legal requirements.

TOEFL
The Institute administers the Institutional TOEFL six times each year. The results of this examination may be used by students applying for admission to the University of Delaware. There is a charge for this examination. The International TOEFL is offered at the University of Delaware as well as in nearby Philadelphia and Baltimore. The ELI is also a TOEIC center as well.  

Proficiency Tests 
Proficiency tests are administered to all Institute students to measure student progress in language acquisition. There is no charge for these tests. At the end of each eight-week session grade reports and language assessments are provided to students and their sponsors. A certificate of achievement is awarded to students who have completed their study and met course requirements.

Special Group Courses 
The Institute will develop language instruction courses for sponsored groups who wish to focus on English for specific purposes: business, agriculture, health, law, or cultural orientation. Requests for such courses can be sent to the Director.

Visa Information 
The ELI issues I-20 documents for students to obtain student visas to enter the United States. An F-1 or J-1 student visa requires students to be enrolled in full-time or limited-full time study during their stay in the United States. Instructions for obtaining an 1-20 are printed on the ELI application form.