The Intensive English Program offers non-credit daytime courses designed to help learners improve their English language and cultural skills for professional, social or academic purposes. Our integrated-skills curriculum combines listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar to build both fluency and accuracy in spoken and written English.

Classes are small, averaging 10 students, so everyone receives individual attention and plenty of opportunities to practice. The exact schedule of classes is determined by student enrollment. Students are assigned class days and times based on their proficiency levels.*

Note: This is a full-time program. People on F-2, B-1/2 visas, or the ESTA program should consider the ESL Part-Time Program.

Who is this program for?

• Students looking for a full-time program**
• Students with a minimum high-intermediate level (B2) of English proficiency
• People who want to improve their English for work, everyday communication, or academic study in the United States
• Family members of Rice students/staff living in Houston who want to improve their English and make local friends
• Students who want to take English classes during the day

**Students on F-1 visas and select scholarship programs are required to study full-time

Program Information

• We offer six daytime sessions each year. Each session lasts seven weeks with 20 hours of class per week
• Classes meet Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:00-5:00 p.m. on the Rice University campus
• Students should be ready for either a morning or afternoon schedule, which is assigned by the program director

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

Course Information

Students in the Intensive English Program are required to enroll in 20 hours of classes each week. This includes two core classes which meet for a total of 4 hours each day Monday-Thursday and two elective classes which meet for a total of 4 hours on Friday.

Core classes for students in Levels 5 and 6 are Comprehensive Skills and Academic Preparation. Core classes for students in the advanced level are special topics courses focused on themes such as Presentations & Pronunciation, American Culture, Business English, and TOEFL/IELTS Preparation.

Friday elective courses are mixed proficiency classes with topics such as Speaking Lab and Digital Literacy Skills.

Sample Schedule

Note: Actual times of specific levels and courses may be different than what is shown below

Program Instructors

Intensive English Program instructors are experienced professionals with advanced degrees. They use the latest methods in language learning and teaching and incorporate current articles, videos, and other technology to keep lessons engaging and relevant.

Intensive English Program Levels

Levels 5-6 (B2 - C1)
At these levels, students build fluency and accuracy while also preparing for professional, personal, or academic success. Students will practice essay writing, develop critical reading skills, and sharpen their listening and note-taking abilities.

Advanced Level (C1+)
For students whose English is already strong, the advanced level offers the chance to explore specialized topics like public speaking, pronunciation, current events, business English, and more. Students may enroll in the Advanced Level more than one time with a different curriculum each time.