This challenging program is useful to working professionals and to students preparing for university study or professional programs. Students from more than 125 countries have attended the program. The course of study is based on an integrated-skills approach with listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar components. Fluency and accuracy in both spoken and written English are emphasized.

In one year, students should be able to progress through the six-level core program. Classes average 12 students and allow participants a maximum amount of individual attention and an opportunity to develop conversational skills. Classes at any specific level will depend on sufficient enrollment.

Course Information

• Six sessions of daytime classes are offered yearly; each session is seven weeks long with 20 hours of class per week
• Classes meet Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1-5 p.m. on the Rice campus
• Students must be open to accepting a morning or afternoon schedule as assigned by the director.

Students new to the program must take the placement test. See the calendar for scheduled test dates.

Program Instructors

Intensive English Program instructors are experienced teachers with advanced degrees who employ the most recent advances in second language methodology. They frequently incorporate current, culturally relevant articles and multimedia materials to supplement regular assignments.

Intensive English Program Levels

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.

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 Level
Courses at this level are designed for students whose level of proficiency in English is beyond the six-level core program. Students will focus on diverse areas of interest such as current issues, cross-cultural concerns, vocabulary expansion, public speaking, pronunciation, advanced reading and writing, and business English. Students may enroll in the Advanced Level more than one time with a different curriculum each time. TOEFL and IELTS preparation courses that emphasize test-taking and refining English language skills are also offered in selected sessions.