Intensive English Language Program (IELP)

Length of Study and Dates

PSU's Intensive English Language Program (IELP) offers an 11-week program during fall, winter and spring and an 8-week program during the summer of English language (ESL) classes designed for:

• Students seeking admission to PSU, or to other U.S. universities and colleges at the undergraduate and graduate levels.
  
  
• Students (age 17 or older), adults, and professionals who are seeking to improve their general English skills for travel, work, or personal enrichment.

Types of Classes

PSU's Intensive English Language Program (IELP) offers 6 levels of English (ESL) instruction:

Pre-Entry Program

Level 1 - Entry / high-beginner
Level 2 - Low intermediate
Level 3 - Intermediate
Level 4 - High-intermediate
Level 5 - Advanced

Students can enter the IELP at the beginning of any term. New students take a placement test before the term begins that determines their appropriate level.

• Students who place into Levels 1, 2 and 3 take Foundational English courses.
• Students who place into Levels 4 and 5 take courses in one of our three program options:
  1. Academic Preparation for Undergraduate Students
  2. Academic Preparation for Graduate Students
  3. Communication and Culture: This track of study is for students who want to improve their conversation skills, increase fluency, develop confidence in communicating in English, and learn about American culture.
• All students take a 2 credit Skills Enhancement Course (SEC)

PSU (ESL-restricted)

Students who apply for admission to PSU, and are admitted or "conditionally" admitted by the PSU Admissions Office may enroll in IELP courses for university credit. Students apply directly to the PSU Office of Admissions.

Each IELP core class is 3 credits. American Culture and Academic Life requirement and Skills Enhancement Classes (SECs) are 2 credits. Classes in Levels 4 & 5 can be applied as general education credits toward an undergraduate degree at PSU. Credit for ESL classes (LING 101-199) is issued by PSU's Applied Linguistics Department.

IELP only

Students who wish to study only English, and who are not pursing an academic degree at PSU can apply to the IELP directly and take English (ESL) classes.

Depending on your visa/immigration status, students may enroll in one or two classes per term or as a full time student. If you have questions about your visa status and enrollment requirements, please contact the IELP international student advisor Michele Miller.

Full-time Students are required to take 18 hours of classes per week.  All new full time students are required to take American Culture and Academic Life (ACAL) as their Skills Enhancement Class.
Part-time Students may enroll in one or two classes (no more than 8 credits) per term depending on individual immigration status and should contact the IELP Office to sign up for the placement test.