Academic Excellence

Our Mission

The mission of the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) at Portland State University is to assist non-native English learners in acquiring the language skills and learning strategies necessary to compete successfully in a post-secondary academic environment. The program provides an atmosphere supportive of socio-cultural exploration and development that helps students adjust to life in the United States. In so doing, the IELP promotes the University's broader mission of enhancing the quality of urban life.

Established

Intensive English Language Program (IELP) - 1964
Portland State University - 1946

Enrollment

• IELP: 350-400 students per term, representing over 25 countries.
  
• Total number of international students at Portland State University: 1400
  
• Total number of students at PSU: 24,000+

Accreditation

ESL classes for students who are admitted to PSU receive academic credit issued by the Department of Applied Linguistics.

The IELP is accredited through PSU by the Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Colleges.

Outstanding IELP Faculty & Student Support Staff

IELP instructors and staff are dedicated professionals who enjoy working with international students.

All IELP 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 and staff have traveled extensively, lived, worked, or taught English abroad.

IELP faculty hold memberships in TESOL (the national association of teachers of English to speakers of other languages) and ORTESOL (the Oregon association of teachers of English to speakers of other languages).

IELP faculty are frequent presenters at regional and national TESOL conferences.

Many IELP faculty have held leadership positions within TESOL/ORTESOL professional associations.

IELP Student Services Support Staff have many years experience working with international students.

The Student Support Staff are very friendly and very knowledgeable.

Student Support Staff hold memberships in NAFSA (the national association for international educators), and are frequently asked to present at professional conferences.

Campus Partnerships

PSU's Intensive English Language Program is administered by the Office of ESL within the Department of Applied Linguistics. The IELP partners with International Special Programs of PSU's Office of International Affairs for the benefit of students.

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) provides an on-campus laboratory and practicum environment for undergraduate and graduate students enrolled 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.

IELP Accomplishments

PSU's English language program is the largest university-based, English-as-a-second-language (ESL) program in Oregon.

Established in 1964, PSU's English language program is one of the oldest, university-based, ESL programs in the western United States.

International students from over 92 countries have successfully studied in PSU's English language program.

PSU Accomplishments

Portland State University is the largest, most diverse, and only urban university in the Oregon University System.

PSU has the fifth-largest graduate school in the west coast.

Portland State University is a national leader in sustainability education and practices.

PSU's receives national recognition

Portland State University is listed in 5 out of 8 "Programs to Look For" in "America's Best Colleges" by U.S. News & World Reports (2005)

For the third year in a row, Portland State University's Community-Based learning curriculum is ranked among the best in nation. According to U.S. News and World Report's "America's Best Colleges 2005," Portland State University was ranked among the top institutions nationally in the categories of service learning, learning communities, and senior capstones.

In 2003, U.S. News and World Report ranked the Oregon Master's in Public Health (MPH) Program 2nd nationally among graduate level community health programs. This program is a collaborative run by PSU's School of Community Health and Public Administration Department, Oregon Health & Science University, and Oregon State University.

PSU's College of Urban and Public Affairs is recognized nationally and internationally, as a leader in the field of urban planning and public health.

PSU's Graduate School of Social Work has received regional and national recognition for its innovations and excellence in instruction and research.