The English Language Program (ELP) is a CEA-accredited intensive academic English program that helps international students develop their English language proficiency to the level needed to succeed at Purdue University Northwest or other universities in the United States or Canada.

Levels offered:

• Level 1 – Foundations (only offered if enough students)
• Level 2 – Low-Intermediate (Level 2 students should not be beginners; they should have a minimum of 32 on the TOEFL or 3.0 on the IELTS)
• 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.

Schedule

	Fall (15 weeks)	Spring (15 weeks)	Maymester (4 weeks)	Summer (8 weeks)
Reading	6 hr/wk	6 hr/wk	none	12 hr/wk
Writing	6 hr/wk	6 hr/wk	none	12 hr/wk
Speaking/Listening	6 hr/wk	6 hr/wk	24 hr/wk	none
Elective	3 hr/wk	3 hr/wk	none	none

Core courses in the ELP include: reading, writing, and listening/speaking. Elective courses are designed to provide additional instruction in specific skill areas, while also creating a fun and stimulating learning environment.  Electives vary each semester, depending on student interest and instructor availability.  Examples of elective courses currently offered are: English for Engineers, American Film, Study Skills, American Culture, TOEFL / IELTS Preparation, Business Communication, Community Service Learning, and Lecture Series.

See more information on the Course List page.

TOEFL/IELTS Waiver

Undergraduate Students

ELP students who successfully finish their Level 4 classes can begin their undergraduate studies at Purdue University Northwest without having to take the TOEFL or IELTS.

Graduate Students

ELP students who successfully pass their ELP Level 4 classes (80% or higher) can take the ELP Graduate Exit Test as an alternative to taking the TOEFL for entrance to graduate school at Purdue University. This test consists of:

• a writing task based on a reading passage
• an oral assessment in the form of an interview

Students must meet all other requirements for their graduate degree program/college, which may require additional exam scores such as the GRE or GMAT exam.  Students should confirm the admissions requirements of their individual departments.

Program Costs

Semester	Program	Tuition	Required Activity Fee	Total (without Insurance)	Health Insurance
Fall	15 weeks; 21 hours/week	$6500	$600	$7100	$400
Spring	15 weeks; 21 hours/week	$6500	$600	$7100	$400
Maymester	4 weeks; 24 hours/week	$1625	$150	$1775	N/A
Summer	8 weeks; 24 hours/week	$3962	$300	$4262	$200

Housing

1. On-campus dormitories (4-person apartments with kitchens): University Village
   • $2,798 – Fall
   •  $2,798 – Spring
   • $1,679 – Maymester & Summer (prorated for only Maymester or Summer)
2. Off-campus apartments: For students who wish to live in off-campus apartments, there are many different options with varying prices. For advice on housing, contact the International Office.

If desired, ELP students can also purchase a separate meal plan.

Immigration Policy/Information

Students studying in the PNC ELP Program with an F-1 visa must maintain full-time student status, or minimum of 18 hours of study, while enrolled at PUC.  This policy requires students to follow all ELP attendance and grade policies to avoid expulsion from their ELP courses. Students who are expelled from the ELP program will be subject to deportation and must leave the U.S. according to U.S. Federal Immigration guidelines. For questions about your visa and Department of Homeland Security regulations contact Marsha Gordon, ISS Director, in CLO 176.