Overview
The English Language Program (ELP) is an academic, intensive English program that aims primarily at assisting international students in developing their English language proficiency to the level needed to pursue their education at Purdue University Northwest. Students are given placement tests and enrolled in one of four levels:
- Level 1-Foundations
- Level 2- Low-Intermediate
- Level 3- High Intermediate
- Level 4- Advanced
Classes meet 4 days a week, Mondays through Thursdays. Fridays and some Saturdays are Field Trip Days organized by the Office of International Programs at no additional cost: students are taken on cultural and educational field trips to Chicago and the region. Several domestic students working as mentors accompany ELP students on these field trips in order to provide students with cultural insight and English practice.
Courses include reading, writing, listening, and conversation, plus several elective options for the beginning through advanced levels. See the Course List for more information.
Program Highlights
- Experienced instructors with extensive teaching experience and a minimum of MAs in TESOL and applied Linguistics
- Four levels: Foundations, Low-Intermediate, High-Intermediate, and Advanced
- A year-round intensive program:
- 15-week semesters with 21 hours of instruction per week
- 4-week Maymester session with 24 hours of instruction per week
- 8-week summer session with 24 hours of instruction per week
- State-of-the-art computer labs
- Access to American native-speaking student-mentors who work with ELP students in and out of the classroom
- Several Elective Courses, such as TOEFL preparation, Introduction to American Film, Study Skills, American Culture, and Business Communication
- Weekly cultural and educational field trips to museums and other destinations
- One–on–one tutoring provided by ELP instructors
- Possibility of taking credit courses while still taking ELP courses
- No TOEFL or IELTS required for undergraduate admission upon completing Level 4 of ELP
- No TOEFL or IELTS required for graduate admission upon completing level 4 of ELP with an average of 80% and passing the ELP Exit Test
Note: The English Language Program (ELP) offers an intensive ESL program and a short-term Language and Culture Program (LCP). The intensive program is accredited by CEA.
