Introduction
Our Purpose
The Intensive English for Internationals (IEI) program at the University of Memphis offers a comprehensive study of the English language to students from around the world. Because of the highly academic nature of the curriculum, IEI prepares students for entry into graduate and undergraduate programs throughout the United States. Additionally, the IEI program offers courses to international professionals living in the Memphis area to improve their working knowledge of English. Students have many varied opportunities to interact with other participants in a friendly and professional learning environment and to become an integral part of the university community.
Our Program
The University of Memphis offers non-credit intensive English language study for university-bound students as well as others who wish to become proficient in English. We offer five 8-week sessions during the academic year with starting dates in January, March, May, August and October. Classes are small and designed to develop communication and academic skills in English through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.
We offer five levels of instruction, from basic to advanced. However, students are expected to have a basic knowledge of English upon entering. New students are tested at the beginning of each session and placed in the appropriate level. Full-time students study 23 hours per week. F-1 students must enroll full-time; students who do not have an F-1 visa may attend full- or part-time. The Director can help such students choose appropriate classes.
Reading/ Writing and Grammar classes meet every morning Monday through Friday. Afternoon classes, which meet Monday through Thursday, include listening/ speaking classes and modules. The program is designed to be rigorous and challenging, and students are expected to work diligently to improve their English. However, there is also time for fun and friendship, including field trips to area sites.
IEI Curriculum
Our goal is to prepare students for academic and professional settings by providing instruction that helps them develop:
fluency and accuracy in English by engaging in content matter and developing metalinguistic awareness
skills necessary for success in academic contexts, including writing from sources, study skills, and appropriate habits of mind
At lower levels, we focus on connecting grammar and writing, writing sentences and paragraphs, developing foundational vocabulary, and listening and speaking in informal conversational contexts. In general, topics across classes are more personal in nature, but students are introduced to academic texts and skills such as summarizing.
At upper levels, we focus on the relationship between reading and writing, using readings as springboards and as source material and developing strategies for reading adapted and authentic texts for different purposes. Students write different types of essays and practice paraphrasing and summarizing. They also develop research skills and note-taking and formal presentation skills. In general, class content is more academic in nature.
The Advanced Integrated Skills and Advanced Communication Skills courses are designed to strengthen students' academic English skills by providing integrated language instruction and practice in the context of academic content study. The academic content varies from session to session, and includes World History, Children's Literature, Leadership, Local History and Culture, and Social Psychology. Students earn recommendation to undergraduate or graduate study as they demonstrate mastery of higher-level academic English language skills as described in the Pearson Global Scale of English.
Student Evaluation
Students in Levels 2-4 receive a letter grade for each class at the end of each session. They must receive a grade of C or higher to progress to the next level. Students in the Basic and Advanced levels receive a final grade of MP (Making Progress), R2, RU or RG (Ready for Level 2, Ready for Undergraduate, Ready for Graduate) or F (Failure to Make Progress). All grades reflect achievement, attendance, and cooperation. A certificate of achievement is awarded to participants who successfully complete each IEI level.
IEI follows The University of Memphis guidelines with respect to student conduct and discipline. Class attendance is required. Students who have poor attendance records, who do not prepare designated assignments or who break University rules and regulations are subject to dismissal from the IEI program.
Tuition Fees (each 8-week session)
Full-Time
23 hours/week; required for F1 students
$1850
Reading/Writing
9 hours/week
$725
Grammar
6 hours/week
$485
Listening/Speaking
4 hours/week
$320
Module
4 hours/week
$320
Session Dates
Daytime Intensive Program
Fall 1 2019
August 21 - October 17
Fall 2 2019
October 18 - December 13
Spring 1 2020
January 15 - March 11
Spring 2 2020
January 9 - March 7
Summer 2020
May 13 - July 10