Accelerate-U Delaware

a circle of UD students sitting outside on the green

Support from the very start

Accelerate-U Delaware (A-UD) is designed to help new international students build a strong academic, linguistic, and cultural foundation during their first semester at UD. A-UD offers specialized support to each student, ensuring a smooth transition to college life and preparing students for success. A-UD is offered in fall and spring semesters.

A-UD is a collaboration between the Office of Undergraduate Admissions and UD's English Language Institute (ELI), which has been supporting international students on campus for over 40 years.

Enrollment Process

Enroll in the University of Delaware by paying the $500 nonrefundable deposit and completing the Admissions Decision Reply form in your My Blue Hen Home student portal, preferably by May 1. Then, continue to check your student portal throughout the summer for important tasks, such as setting up your UD email, taking a math placement program and registering for on-campus housing.

My Blue Hen Home

The Accelerate-U Delaware Experience

Enhanced undergraduate courses.

You will take courses that are related to your major and earn 13-15 credits that count toward your bachelor’s degree.

Small classes.

Classes have a maximum of 14 students—all international students like you. Small classes ensure that you will have more personalized attention from the instructor.

Specially selected faculty.

You will be taught by instructors who are specially trained to adapt their teaching methods to be more effective for international students.

Extended class time.

Typical UD classes are offered for three hours each week. A-UD classes allow for an hour of extra class time per week. This ensures that you will have plenty of time to understand the lecture, participate in class discussions and ask questions.

Discussion sessions.

Each week, you and your classmates will meet for a discussion session guided by an instructional assistant. Together you will discuss class notes, review key vocabulary and prepare for exams.

Student mentor.

You will have an American peer mentor to help you engage in university life.

Advisors.

You will have two advisors: an academic advisor for your major that will guide you during your entire university career, and an A-UD advisor that will oversee your progress during your A-UD semester. Your two advisors will work together with you to support your transition to UD and to ensure your schedule fits your academic goals.

Enrichment at no additional cost.

A-UD is a free benefit for admitted international students. There is no additional tuition fee, and it adds no additional time to your studies.

English Language Institute (ELI) holds an annual picnic at their location at 189 Main Street for students and families of the international students.

Student Life

You will live on UD’s campus in a traditional residence hall with one or two other UD students. While on campus, you will have access to all UD’s amenities, clubs, sports, activities, etc.—a typical student experience.

Course Selection

Your academic advisors will work with you to develop a first-semester schedule that fits your academic goals. You will receive your fall semester schedule during orientation.

A-UD students will be registered in five courses, totaling 13-15 credits. Your schedule will include ENGL 110 (Seminar in Composition), one International First-Year Seminar, and three additional courses that meet the University and your major requirements.

Each course will be taught by a University of Delaware faculty member, either in a traditional classroom or a classroom in the English Language Institute. Each course is extended by one hour per week to facilitate understanding and will include an additional hour per week of discussion led by the instructional assistant.

After the Accelerate-U Delaware program, you will integrate into traditional courses.

Accelerate-U Delaware courses may include:*

Course code	Course Name	Credits
ANTH 101	Introduction to Social and Cultural Anthropology	3
ARTH 151	Myth, Religion, and Art	3
BHAN 155	Personal Health Management: An Approach for a Lifetime	3
BISC 104	Principles of Biology, with Laboratory	4
BUAD 110	Basics of Business	3
CHEM 103	General Chemistry, with Laboratory	4
CHIN 204	The Art of Chinese Calligraphy	3
CISC 106	General Computer Science for Engineers	3
COMM 212	Oral Communication in Business	3
ECON 101	Introduction to Microeconomics	3
ECON 103	Introduction to Macroeconomics	3
ENGL 110	Seminar in Composition	3
GEOG 120	World Regional Geography	3
GEOL 105	Geological Hazards and Their Human Impact	3
LEAD 200	The Leadership Challenge	3
LEAD 300	Leadership, Creativity, and Innovation	3
MATH 114	College Mathematics and Statistics	3
MATH 115	Pre-Calculus	3
MATH 117	Pre-Calculus for Scientists and Engineers	4
MATH 221	Calculus I	3
MATH 241	Analytic Geometry and Calculus A	4
PHYS 207	Fundamentals of Physics with Laboratory	4
PLSC 202	History of Landscape Architecture	3
POSC 150	Introduction to American Politics	3
POSC 240	Introduction to Global Politics	3
SCEN 109	Art of Botany	4
UNIV 101	International First-Year Seminar	1

*Subject to change

Tuition

To learn more about tuition and fees for international students at the University of Delaware, please see the Financing Your Degree section of the International Students website.