Pennsylvania State University - Intensive English Communication Program

Pennsylvania State University
Intensive English Communication Program
301 Boucke
University Park, Pennsylvania 16802-5901
USA
Telephone: 814.865.7550
Fax: 814.863.5889
Contact Us!

If You Are Serious About Your Language Learning

For over 25 years, Penn State's IECP has been a serious language program for serious, highly-motivated students. Its faculty are native speakers who are experienced teaching professionals with graduate degrees in teaching ESL/EFL. Almost all instructors have lived and taught in another country. Many students finish the program and enroll at Penn State or at other highly ranked American universities and colleges. Some return to their own countries, having met their goals of English improvement and experiencing life in another culture.

If You Want A Friendly, Helpful Program

IECP students consistently praise the program staff for their friendliness and desire to be helpful. This staff provides a warm welcome when new students arrive, they assist them in settling into their life at Penn State, and they provide whatever non-academic services students need as they progress through the program. Because of the attention given to the pre-arrival process, even before leaving their countries many students feel they've made a friend in the United States.

If Standards and Quality Are Important

The IECP is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP), an organization that promotes quality in English language programs. It follows and supports the standards and principles of other professional organizations such as Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and NAFSA: An Organization of International Educators.

Courses

The IECP has four levels, from beginning to advanced. Within each level there are courses in Listening and Speaking, Grammar, Reading, and Writing. New students take a placement test to determine their level. Students study 20 hours per week in classes of 10 to 15 students.

Schedule

Fall term: 15 weeks, begins in mid-August
Spring term: 15 weeks, begins in early January
Summer term: 8 weeks, begins in early June

Program Features

Airport pickup for new students.
Choice of living arrangements in on-campus dormitories or off-campus apartments.
Computer lab exclusively for IECP students. E-mail, internet, English learning and TOEFL practice software.
Free Institutional TOEFL given at the end of every term. This score is accepted by Penn State. At no extra charge, students learn about, practice, and prepare for the TOEFL within their IECP classes.
Social/cultural activities, including field trips to places such as Niagra Falls and Washington, D.C.
Participation in Conversation Partners Program, which pairs students with Americans for speaking practice.
Use of Penn State facilities and activities-for example, libraries, computer labs, campus housing, intramural sports, University sponsored trips.

The Pennsylvania State University

Located on one of America's most beautiful campuses, Penn State has offered innovative education since 1855. It has more than 160 majors and is ranked as a premier public research university. Many international students study at Penn State and there are a number of nationality clubs providing social and cultural activities, as well as support and information to new arrivals.
In recent years, the University's Jordan Center has become a well-known arena for concerts and first rate entertainment. Many successful recording stars appear at the Jordan Center.

Location

In the center of Pennsylvania, State College/University Park offers comfort and safety in a traditional university town. Beautiful wooded mountains are nearby and a 3- to 4-hour drive provides easy access to New York City, Philadelphia, and Washington, D.C. There is a local airport served by major airlines.

IECP Mission Statement

The mission of the Intensive English Communication Program (IECP) is to provide quality language instruction to nonnative speakers of English with an emphasis on the language skills necessary for academic success. The program accomplishes this through classes taught by caring, professional faculty. Outside their classes, students are supported by a dedicated IECP staff.

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to request information, please contact us!

Visit the web site of Pennsylvania State University - Intensive English Communication Program.

AAIEP Member Program