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International Education MattersA
Forum for Issues Pertaining
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What are IEP's?Intensive English programs (IEP's) teach English language, American culture, and professional development skills to non-native English speakers from around the world. There are nearly 1,000 IEP’s in the U.S. in which students must study a minimum of 18 hours per week to meet their student visa requirements. The vast majority of programs provide 20 to 25 hours per week of instruction. Most IEP’s offer English for academic purposes courses to help international students meet the language requirements for admission to American colleges and universities. Many provide opportunities for international students to spend a year, a semester, or just a few weeks learning English and experiencing American culture. Many also offer specialized language courses for professionals. IEP’s may be a component of a college or university, or an independent school. The best IEP's are accredited either by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), by the Accrediting Council for Continuing Education and Training (ACCET), by their state, or through their university or college. Many IEP's also belong to Consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) and/or the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP). These two professional organizations have established “best practice” standards for IEPs which member programs must meet. IEP's serve as gateways to graduate or undergraduate programs at universities, as well as to community colleges. Students live on campus, stay with homestay families, or rent apartments in the community. They buy cars, dine at local restaurants, and spend generously in area stores. When family members visit them, they contribute to the local economy by staying in local hotels and visiting museums and other places of interest. According to NAFSA: Association of International Educators, in the 2001-2002 academic year, international students contributed over $11.95 billion to the United States economy. Conservative estimates place the annual economic impact of IEP’s on the U.S. economy at over $1 billion. In addition to contributing to the economy, international students bring the enrichment of cultural diversity to their campus and community. Many IEP students also volunteer in the community as part of their course work. They visit residents in nursing homes, provide presentations in local public schools about their native countries and cultures, and participate in fundraising for local charities. Understanding that language is inextricably linked to culture, IEP’s arrange field trips, campus and community events, and host family visits— all designed to help international students gain familiarity with American culture and vice-versa. As a result, alumni of intensive English programs return home with a deeper appreciation of American culture, heritage, and values. More importantly, they return after having forged strong friendships with their American hosts. Multiplied by the tens of thousands in IEPs across the country, these friendships make our country more secure by fostering first-hand understanding and increased tolerance around the world. By Rhona Genzel, Terry Simon, and Scott Stevens This file was updated on November 7, 2003 |
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