Intensive English Program students at Rice University build practical English skills for general, academic or professional purposes. The program offers six sessions yearly. Each session lasts seven weeks. In one year, ESL students should be able to progress through the six-level core program. Classes meet four hours daily, five days per week.

Six-Level ESL Program

In Levels 1-4, students concentrate on developing fundamental English skills in an interactive classroom setting. Course work emphasizes those skills necessary for effective oral and written communication. Instruction covers all areas of language development: practical vocabulary, basic language structures, and the essentials of reading, writing, listening and speaking.

In Levels 5-6, students continue to develop fluency and accuracy. Course work focuses on comprehensive skills as well as academic preparation skills, including the fundamentals of essay writing and the development of critical reading, listening and note-taking skills. 

Advanced ESL Courses/TOEFL Preparation

The Advanced Level is for students whose level of proficiency in English is beyond the six-level core program. Courses at this level focus on diverse areas of interest such as current issues, cross-cultural concerns, vocabulary expansion, public speaking and pronunciation. Videos and weekly news magazines are used as source material. Students may enroll in the Advanced Level more than one time with a different curriculum each time. A TOEFL Preparation course that emphasizes test-taking and refining English language skills is also offered in selected sessions