English Language Institute
Welcome!
Welcome to UWest’s English Language Institute (ELI)! Improving your English is a way to expand your academic, professional, and interpersonal opportunities. At ELI, we help you meet your language goals through interactive learning experiences in real-world situations. Come check out our programs designed to meet your specific needs.
ELI programs include:
- Intensive English Program (IEP) – Six levels of full-time learning for students who want to develop effective communication skills for use in personal and academic settings.
- Academic English Bridge (Bridge) – Academic English preparation for students who are preparing to transition to college-level studies.
- English Conversation and Culture (ECC) – Part-time classes to develop your conversation skills and US cultural awareness.
- Program of American Cultural Exchange (PACE) – Customized group programs tailored to a variety of ages and educational levels, professions, and interests. Live on campus and explore the many attractions and cultural sites located in and around Los Angeles.
♦ How much does the program cost? 2024-2025 ELI TUITION»
♦ When can I start? 2024-2025 ELI BLOCK SCHEDULE»
|
TERM
|
|
IEP – Spring or Fall (20 hours per week, 16 weeks)
1 Block
|
|
IEP – Spring or Fall (20 hours per week, 16 weeks)
2 Consecutive Blocks
|
| IEP – Spring or Fall (20 hours per week, 16 weeks) 3 Consecutive Blocks |
| IEP – Spring or Fall (20 hours per week, 16 weeks) 4 Consecutive Blocks |
|
Bridge – 3 units each (3 hours per week, 16 weeks)
|
|
IEP – Summer (20 hours per week, 6 weeks)
|
|
ECC – Spring or Fall (5 hours per week, 16 weeks)
1 Block |
|
ECC – Spring or Fall (5 hours per week, 16 weeks)
2 Consecutive Blocks |
|
ECC – Spring or Fall (5 hours per week, 16 weeks)
3 Consecutive Blocks |
|
ECC – Spring or Fall (5 hours per week, 16 weeks)
4 Consecutive Blocks |
|
ESP English for Specific Purposes
36 Hour Module |
What makes the UWest ELI EAP programs different from a typical language school?
We’ve designed our programs to meet your needs: Want to improve your communication abilities in general? Take our Intensive English program. Getting ready to enter into a university degree program? Our Academic English Bridge is the place for you. We additionally offer on-campus housing, where full-time IEP students live side by side with degree students as well as a vibrant campus culture, so you don’t have to worry about a homestay or commuting.
How are students placed in levels?
We administer our English Proficiency Test (EPT) for every student entering our program, every start session. The results of this test determine the best level for each individual student.
What is the duration of a class?
Our classes run on a block system, where each block is one month long. Each level consists of four blocks. You can start at the beginning of any block, and you choose how many blocks you want to attend. (Note F-1 students should inquire with the DSO how to choose blocks in compliance with the visa rules.)
What can you tell me about the classes?
A full-time Intensive English Program student will attend 20 hours of classes per week. Our courses integrate the four skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. We additionally have a cultural focus for each class which also includes taking field trips in the greater Los Angeles area.
What will I receive when I complete the program?
IEP courses are non-credit courses and, as such, are non-applicable to undergraduate programs or a UWest diploma. However, upon completion with a minimum 2.7 GPA and no ‘F’ grades, students receive a Certificate of Completion. If the student enters the ELI program late, or leaves early, we can award a certificate for hours successfully completed. Some Academic English Bridge courses award credit on completion.
Does ELI tuition include staying in the dorm and other fees?
Tuition for the programs only covers enrollment in ELI courses. There are additional costs for books, room and board, insurance, and other expenses.
How long does it take to advance to an advanced level or finish the bridge program?
Advancement depends upon the individual student. Students must achieve a 2.7 GPA, with no ‘F’ grades in any class, in order to advance to the next level, including graduation from the program. You may also take a challenge test and pass to the next level at the end of each class. Continuing students may also retake the EPT and advance according to those test results.
What is the typical class size?
Our classes average 6 – 10 students. Small classes enable our faculty to give more personal attention to our students than they would receive at a community college or university with a much larger student population.
Can I take ELI and degree courses at the same time?
It depends. If you’re in the Intensive English Program, no. However, if you test into Academic Bridge, you’ll take language courses as well as your choice of eligible degree courses.
♦ Modality: In person
♦ F-1 visa eligible (ECC is not F-1 visa eligible, students in ECC often have visitor visa or similar)
Awaken Your Purpose
Certificate Programs at University of the West
TESOL
TEACHING ENGLISH TO SPEAKERS OF OTHER LANGUAGES