University of Maryland Baltimore County English Language Institute (ELI)

Description

The English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Maryland, Baltimore County (UMBC) provides quality English language instruction to students and professionals from all over the world. Experienced instructors work closely with students to improve their English language and cultural skills and to help them achieve their educational and career goals. Highlights:

• Bridge Program to UMBC bachelor’s and master’s programs (no TOEFL required)
• Small classes and individual tutoring
• On-campus and online English classes
• Start in January, March, May, August, or October
• State-of-the-art computer and language laboratories
• Full access to all university resources and activities

Programs

Intensive English Program (IEP)

• Intensive program for students and working adults – 20 hours per week
• Seven levels: beginning through advanced
• Optional extra classes (TOEFL, pronunciation, US culture, and more)
• Extra-intensive program in summer – 28 hours per week

Academic English Program

• Special preparation for students who wish to pursue a bachelor’s or master’s degree in the US
• Three levels: high intermediate through advanced
• Classes available on campus and online

TOEFL Preparation Class

Accent Reduction Class

Customized English Training Program

• Classes and group programs for students and working professionals (e.g. English teachers and other subject teachers, medical doctors, government officers, other corporate managers, etc.)
• Available on campus and online

Schedule

Intensive English Program (IEP): Students can complete one level of study in two sessions (one semester).

• Fall Session 1: late August – mid-October
• Fall Session 2: late October – mid-December
• Spring Session 1: late January – mid-March
• Spring Session 2: late March – mid-May
• Summer Semester (extra intensive): late May – late July

Academic English Program (AEP): Students can complete one level of study in one semester.

• Fall Semester: late August – mid-December
• Spring Semester: late January – mid-May
• Summer Semester (extra intensive): late May – late July

Program Cost

• Tuition and fees for one semester (two sessions): $4,600 (in fall or spring) or $3,450 (in summer)
• Health insurance: approximately $450-$550 per semester
• Housing, meals, books and personal expenses: numerous options; costs vary. See the ELI Web site for details.

Student Activities and Services

ELI students enjoy full access to all UMBC resources and activities:

• Housing (dormitories and apartments), meal plans, and health services available on campus
• Student activities and events every day on campus (field trips, guest speakers, cultural events, theater, art, music, movies, games, and more)
• Student clubs and organizations for sports, music, arts, culture, religion, and many other interests
• English Conversation Partner program
• Academic resources: libraries, computer laboratories, free tutoring and writing assistance, language learning laboratories, media centers, and more
• Athletics: modern exercise center, pools, athletic fields, and sports teams
• Free shuttle bus service to local neighborhoods, the city of Baltimore, and local shopping centers
• Easy access to Washington, DC; Philadelphia; and New York City

Faculty

Experienced ELI instructors have advanced degrees in English language education and linguistics. Most instructors have taught both in the US and abroad and speak several languages.

About UMBC

UMBC is a medium-sized, public research university located on 500 acres in the suburbs of Baltimore, Maryland, offering bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees. UMBC's 12,000 students come from almost every state in the US and more than 100 countries.

Location

Conveniently located near the culturally-rich cities of Washington, DC and Baltimore, UMBC offers access to a wide variety of international events and cuisine, art galleries, museums, music and theater, specialty shops, and other cultural attractions. The Baltimore/Washington International (BWI) Thurgood Marshall Airport is only five minutes from campus, and students have easy access to bus, light rail, and train transportation services.