English Language Institute at Michigan Technological University

Michigan Technological University (MTU) is a public research university, home to more than 7,000 students from 60 countries around the world. Founded in 1885, the University offers more than 120 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science, technology, engineering, and math; forestry; business and economics; health professions; humanities; and social sciences. Our beautiful campus in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula overlooks the Keweenaw Waterway and is just a few miles from Lake Superior.

Conditional admission is offered to students interested in undergraduate study at the Michigan Technological University but do not have the required English language test scores. Our English Language Institute (ELI) will help you excel in your studies and communicate effectively outside the classroom now and wherever your career may take you.

When you successfully complete the Intensive ESL program, you will be proficient in listening, speaking, writing, reading, and conducting research. The program focuses on academic English, in particular the language tasks required of STEM and business majors.  Our curriculum will also prepare you to possess clear and comfortable communication in everyday life.

English Language Institute (ELI)

Programs Offered

• IESL Program (Accredited by CEA): The Intensive English as a Second Language (IESL) Program prepares students for academic study. Applicants must submit a TOEFL or IELTS score to be considered.  Courses in this program are offered during Fall, Spring, and Summer semesters—each of which is 14 weeks long.  These courses meet 18-24 hours per week.

• The Graduate Orientation and Language (GOAL) program: The program is designed to assist international graduate students to succeed in their academic programs by providing intensive English language instruction and cultural immersion opportunities. GOAL students will develop written materials that will help prepare them for graduate studies and research such as literature reviews, abstracts, and grant proposals. Students will also be introduced to faculty members in their department, and be given a graduate student peer mentor. GOAL is offered prior to Fall classes.

• Foundational English Program: The Foundational English Program offers courses that focus on the different skill areas of Listening, Speaking, Writing, and Reading as well as special topic areas.  It is designed for English language beginners who would like to enroll in our regular IESL curriculum and/or become professionals.

• Tutoring Help program: Customized tutoring help is available. Tutoring sessions are taught by our trained IESL instructors. Tutoring session packages are flexible based on the number of hours you would like to study, and payment plans are available. 

• University Preparation Program: The University Preparation Program prepares international high school students for university studies in STEM fields and other disciplines with a specifically tailored program for IESL students.  Students also prepare important materials for undergraduate admissions, including their college application and essay; and have the opportunity to meet with Career Services and campus advisors.  In conjunction with this program, students can also choose to spend one week in a hands-on pre-college exploration through Michigan Tech’s renowned Summer Youth Programs, which focus on preparing students for STEM fields.

Housing Options

On-campus housing is available to IESL students through the university housing office. Students have different housing options, including 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom apartments for families with children.

Health

Michigan Tech offers health insurance to all IESL students throughout their enrollment.

Scholarships

All admitted students are automatically considered for most merit-based scholarships; a special application form is not required, except for the Michigan Tech Leading Scholars Award and career interest scholarships. 

For international students, the following scholarships are available:

• International Ambassador Scholarships
• Alumni Legacy (ALA)
• Athletic Grants
• Sponsored Scholarships

Outdoor Adventure

Michigan Technological University owns and operates Mont Ripley, our very own ski and snowboard hill, and Portage Lake Golf Course; both are just minutes from campus. Our world-class Tech Trails offer opportunities for hiking, mountain biking, Nordic skiing, and snowshoeing.

Michigan Tech is on the shores of the Keweenaw Waterway, with Lake Superior just minutes away. Our Outdoor Adventure Program offers guided excursions, workshops, equipment rentals, and clinics.

Rankings

• MTU is ranked the #1 Safest College in the country by College Magazine
• Money Magazine: Michigan Tech ranked #90 out of 706 Best Colleges for Your Money (and 46th among public universities)
• Money Magazine: MTU ranked #2 on the list of 11 Public Colleges Where Grads Make Six Figure salary
• Safewise: Houghton/MTU ranked #20 on the list of 50 Safest College Towns in America
• Brookings Institution: ranked MTU #1 in Michigan, #4 in US in “value-added” factors such as the kinds of majors offered – particularly in STEM (science, technology, engineering and math) – graduation rates, student loan repayment rates, and the difference between predicted earnings and graduates’ actual earnings at mid-career and over a lifetime. (May 2015)
• Michigan Tech is ranked among the top twenty universities in the US in the proportion of research that is sponsored by industry.  Nearly 25 percent of our invention disclosures include the names of students as inventors.
• Forbes ranks Michigan Tech as one of the 25 Top Public Colleges With The Highest-Earning Graduates.