Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program (IEP) welcomes students with English Language levels from beginner to pre-academic. This 3 to 18-month long program focuses on developing listening, speaking, reading and writing skills while providing a true American college experience. The program is also flexible to accommodate students who would like to come just for the summer months to improve their English skills.

Program Highlights

• Small classes so you get personal attention 
• Instructors with advanced degrees and years of teaching experience
• Our Office of International Education offers comprehensive support before coming to campus, including pre-arrival information, new student orientation, and immigration advisement
• Airport pick up
• On-campus housing options
• Full access to University clubs, activities, resources and services, including the library, student recreation center and health services as well as events and social activities provided by the English Language Institute
• Conditional Admission is available for students who successfully complete the ELI program, pass an internal exit exam, and meet the Rider University requirements for admission. 

Curriculum

Grammar

From Beginner to Pre-Academic levels, the Grammar courses prepare students to master basic English sentence structures, practice written and verbal usage of grammar forms and rules, and integrate the function of grammar as it impacts the development of reading, writing, listening, speaking, and vocabulary skills. 

Reading/Writing

From Beginner to Pre-Academic levels, the Reading/Writing courses prepare students to master simple sentence and paragraph structures, develop vocabulary and grammar skills to improve writing, and practice writing academic paragraphs and short essays that respond directly to assigned readings.  

Listening / Speaking

From Beginner to Pre-Academic levels, the Listening/Speaking courses prepare students to develop listening and speaking skills related to themes and ideas introduced in class and assigned text units. TED Talks, interviews, lectures and other genres are used to address authentic language.

Pronunciation

From Beginner to Pre-Academic levels, the Pronunciation courses prepare students with intensive practice in the pronunciation of spoken English focusing on vowels, consonants, rhythm and stress, developing the speaking and listening skills necessary for classroom discussions, and developing the pronunciation and communication skills necessary for participation in academic presentations and college level discourse.

In the News

This class focuses on listening and speaking fluency as students learn to comfortably discuss current news events and develop their skills in giving speeches and debating their opinion. Students will have the ability to develop oral fluency, cultural knowledge, pronunciation, and the organization of ideas for better communication. This class is for High Intermediate levels and above.

Current News

This class focuses on reading and writing about current events. Students will learn how to summarize and analyze current events through discussion and formal writing. Students will have the ability to develop organizational skills, cultural and social knowledge, and analytical skills.  

Business English for Professionals

This course focuses on best practices for professional office culture and expectations. Students will target a variety of language skills that will help them to achieve professional goals at work. Students will explore practical tasks that occur frequently in the professional setting such as meetings, emails, speaking, presenting, phone calls, and culturally appropriate business etiquette.

Experiencing American Culture

From Beginner to Pre-Academic levels, students are exposed to aspects of American culture that impact their success in either work or school. From more obvious customs such as sports, food, or holidays to the subtler aspects of accents, regional differences, and opinions, students will explore current issues, vocabulary, social media, and individual experiences to navigate successfully in American culture.

Listening & Note-taking Skills

From Beginner to Pre-Academic levels, students will develop the skills to successfully manage course materials in the class environment. Students will add various note-taking techniques and learn helpful techniques to read body language and speech intonation to overcome language gaps and identify important information from the professor.

Number of Hours

18 hours per week (part time study is also available for qualified students)

Entrance Requirements

Students are encouraged to submit scores from TOEFL, IELTS, or other language exams, but there are no academic requirements to enter the program. Students will be placed into an appropriate level determined by an entrance exam.

Start Dates

Six times a year: September, October, January, March, May and July
View the academic calendar.

Costs

Tuition and fees

Sample IEP Student Schedule