The University of Delaware

The University of Delaware (UD) traces its history to 1743 (before the United States was the United States) and, today, is a nationally and internationally recognized tier-one research university. Our prestigious alumni include President Joe Biden, several signers of the Declaration of Independence, Nobel Prize-winning scientists and engineers, celebrated athletes, artists, and business leaders.

Over 20,000 students–including international students from 100 different countries–pursue one of 150 bachelor’s degree programs or over 200 graduate degree programs.

The English Language Institute

Join other international students and business professionals who want to improve their language skills for university study or for career enrichment.

Founded in 1979, the University of Delaware English Language Institute (ELI) is an integrated academic unit of the University of Delaware. Choose from our innovative, high-quality online and in-person English language courses. 

At the UD ELI, you can

• Take undergraduate or graduate university courses for credit while studying English through pathways programs.
• Develop your English skills before you begin a university program or improve your business English skills so you can advance your career.
• Learn about American culture, history, literature, and more!

Each session of our core programs lasts approximately 2 months. Some special programs last only 4 weeks. Our undergraduate conditional admission pathway program operates on a semester schedule and lasts 8-12 months. 

ELI Programs

• Intensive English Program (IEP)*
• Accelerated University English Program (AUEP)*
• Academic Transitions (AT) Undergraduate Pathway Program*
• Graduate Conditional Admissions Program (Graduate CAP)*
• Pre-MBA*
• Language Adventure USA
• IELTS test preparation*
• Delaware EFL Teacher Training Program (DEFT)*
• Master’s in teaching English as a second language (MA-TESL)*
• Corporate tutoring

*Courses available online

Join students studying online in our synchronous and hybrid ESL courses from all around the world. With our robust, well-developed, and effective online delivery option, you will receive the same exceptional instruction and support that ELI is known for!

Unique Location

Our beautiful main campus is located in Newark, Delaware, a fun and safe college town of about 30,000. (Yes, the student body is almost as big as the population of Newark!)

Our 4-seasons location is perfect for day trips to sites and cities along the East Coast of the U.S.  Newark is a 45-minute drive from downtown Philadelphia, a two-hour drive from New York City and Washington, D.C., and an hour’s drive from Delaware beaches.

Faculty and Quality

UD ELI teachers hold master’s degrees (or doctorates!) in Teaching English as a Second Language (TESOL) or Applied Linguistics and are either native English speakers or have native-like proficiency. Our teachers are known world-wide for our innovative approaches to teaching language and academic skills and have authored textbooks that are used around the world and across the country.

Our Intensive English and Teacher Training programs are fully accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA), and the ELI is a member of the Consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) and EnglishUSA.

Student Services and Engagement
Practice your English outside of the classroom! All of our programs help you explore U.S. culture and connect to the college experience. Watch one of our NCAA Division I teams play; see a movie, play or concert; come to a picnic or game night; discover restaurants; grab a coffee, tea, or boba; or join any of over 300 student groups on campus.  

Ours is the only English language institute in the U.S. with its own tutoring center that provides individualized, one-on-one instruction with a trained professional to help students address their particular language issues.

For all of our programs, we provide personalized, wrap-around student services supporting all facets of our students’ experiences, including university and college advising, placement, housing, homestay host programs, language partners, and cultural activities. 

Join thrilled students from all over the world who love their entire ELI experience at the University of Delaware. 

Make President Biden’s school your school.