Intensive English Program

SAELL Intensive English Program (IEP)

Our Intensive English Program is in person at our Chicago Main Campus. Our goal is to prepare students to succeed in their future academic or professional use of English.

We have three terms each year:

• Fall (16 weeks, August-December)
• Spring (16 weeks, January-May)
• Summer (12 weeks, May-August)

Full-time students take 18-24 hours of classes per week. F-1 visa holders are required to be enrolled full-time.

Part-time students take 6-12 hours of classes per week in Fall/ Spring, or 8-16 hours per week in Summer.

Our face-to-face English program resumed our full-time classes in August 2021. For more information, contact us at esl@neiu.edu.

 Apply to the Intensive English Program

Intensive English Program Levels

SAELL has multiple levels of instruction based on the CEFR standards: A2, B1, B2. The SAELL curriculum was designed to develop the four core language skills—listening, speaking, reading and writing—through consistent engagement with these skills throughout each level of instruction. In addition, the curriculum integrates grammar, vocabulary, culture, and content courses, and writing for specific purposes. The goal of the SAELL curriculum is to build English language fluency while integrating the skills necessary for students to succeed within their university programs and/or career paths.

Students are placed into their level of study based primarily on a CEFR proficiency test or their most recent TOEFL test score. Some course assignments may vary based upon individual skill area scores. All new full-time students take TOEFL ITP during their first orientation week.

*Please note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to limitations on students entering the U.S. on student visas, some program levels may be combined in a single cohort.

Intensive ENglish Program Courses

We offer three core classes and up to two electives per term.

Core classes: Listening & Speaking; Reading & Writing; and Grammar

Elective examples: Academic Vocabulary & Reading; Academic Writing; Pronunciation; Presentation Skills, TOEFL Prep*

Sample Intensive English Program (full-time) schedule

*Please note: During the COVID-19 pandemic, due to limitations on students entering the U.S. on student visas, elective classes may not be offered.

 Apply to the Intensive English Program

Important Dates

Admission Deadlines

Completed applications for our in-person Intensive English Program must be received by the dates noted in the chart below. Student applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been submitted by the applicant and received by SAELL. Completed applications include the application, application fee, and immigration documents (if required). Once reviewed, the applicant will be notified of the admission decision.

Academic Calendar

Costs for SAELL Intensive English Program

*Insurance and living expenses are not included in tuition and fees. 

• See the detailed financial form for one year in SAELL IEP.
• See the detailed financial form for one semester in SAELL IEP.
• Instructions for how to complete the SAELL Financial Form.

 Apply to the Intensive English Program