About the Intensive English Language Program (IELP)

Since 1964, Portland State University (PSU) has offered academic English language instruction to thousands of international students and non-native English speakers. PSU's English language program is the largest university-based, English-as-a-second-language (ESL) program in Oregon. We are also one of the oldest university-based ESL programs in the western United States.

In any one term, PSU's Intensive English Language Program (IELP) enrolls between 350-400 students from over 25 countries. Students from over 92 countries have studied in our program.

The IELP offers academic English language (ESL) courses for students seeking admission to PSU, and other U.S. universities and colleges, as well as for students, adults, and professionals of all levels of ability who are seeking to improve their general English skills for travel, work, or personal enrichment.

Special programs for groups are welcomed, and are jointly arranged with the Office of International Special Programs.

Credit & Non-credit courses available

Students who are admitted or conditionally admitted to PSU receive PSU academic credits (issued by the Dept. of Applied Linguistics) for ESL courses taken in the IELP. These credits can be applied as general education credits towards an undergraduate degree at Portland State University.

Students who apply to the IELP for English language study only are enrolled in non-credit IELP courses.

Special Admission to PSU for IELP level 5 graduates

Successful completion of IELP level 5 courses along with recommendation by the IELP Academic Coordinator is recognized as proof of English language proficiency (equivalent to the TOEFL requirement) for admission to PSU undergraduate degree programs.

University atmosphere

IELP students enjoy complete immersion and integration on the PSU campus. ESL classes are held in regular PSU classrooms located throughout the campus. As students walk between classes, eat in the cafeteria, study in the library or computer lab, or play in the gym they intermingle daily with the mainstream PSU student body.

All IELP students receive a PSU student ID card, and have access to all university facilities, resources, activities, and events.

In addition to keeping students informed of campus events, the IELP Activities Office plans numerous social and recreational activities for IELP students.

Professional and Experienced Instructors and Support Staff

The IELP faculty and staff is comprised of 16 full-time teaching and administrative faculty, several part-time instructors, full-time administrators (including a Director, Academic Coordinator, Assistant Coordinator, Administrative Assistant, International Student Advisor, and Activities Coordinator), and several multi-lingual student office assistants.

All instructors hold advanced degrees in teaching English to speakers of other languages (TESOL), or in related fields. They have many years experience teaching international students at the university level. Additionally most IELP instructors have traveled extensively, lived, worked, or taught English abroad.

Campus Partnerships

PSU's English Language Program is administered by the Department of Applied Linguistics and cooperates with the Office of ESL and International Special Programs.

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) provides an on-campus laboratory and practicum environment for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in the Department of Applied Linguistics TESL Certificate and MA TESOL Programs. PSU students in the TESL Certificate and MA TESOL Programs serve as conversation partners, tutors, and teaching assistants in the IELP.

The IELP Office and IELP International Student Advisor work closely with the Office of International Affairs, PSU Admissions office, and other departments throughout campus to provide the fullest range of support services possible for IELP students.