The English Language Programs

Come join us in Philadelphia, a vibrant and diverse city of 1.5 million people! Philadelphia is the sixth largest city in the United States, and was the United States’ first capital. Today, Philadelphia is rich in culture, history, art, nature, shopping, and entertainment. Philadelphia is located between New York and Washington, D.C., and within easy travel distance to Boston, Baltimore, and the Atlantic Ocean beaches.

University of Pennsylvania’s English Language Programs (ELP) is one of the top programs in the U.S. All full-time instructors hold Master’s or PhD degrees in English as a Second Language (ESL) or Applied Linguistics and have extensive teaching experience. University of Pennsylvania (Penn) is a top-ranked, Ivy League university, home to the Wharton School of Business.

ELP offers courses in Academic, Professional, and General English, and has well-equipped university classrooms and small class sizes. ELP organizes social and cultural opportunities and provides strong student support services. ELP allows students to gain exposure to the U.S. university system while being immersed in the language and culture of the U.S.

ON CAMPUS PROGRAMS

Intensive Program

In the ELP’s accredited Intensive Program, students develop their English language skills through well-designed core and elective courses.

• 7-week sessions
• 20 academic hours per week
• 6 levels from pre-intermediate to advanced

Exceptional curriculum and expert teaching methods help students increase their fluency and confidence so they can achieve their academic, professional, or personal goals. Every aspect of the Penn ELP experience – from in-class discussions to out-of-class group projects, from living on a university campus to participating in planned cultural activities – assists students in improving their English skills and enhancing their understanding of US culture. Includes Academic, Professional, and General English course options.

University Connection

The University Connection program joins academic English preparation with one-on-one advising, admissions workshops, and orientation to US university culture to help students successfully apply to undergraduate or graduate degree programs at US universities. University Connection Plus includes SAT, GRE, or GMAT preparation courses.

• 7-week sessions
• 20 academic hours per week
• One-on-one meetings with university admission specialists 
• 3 levels from intermediate to advanced 

Students learn how to navigate the admissions process, perform university research, identify best-fit schools, write memorable application essays, and submit successful applications. Students also improve their academic English fluency and develop time management and study strategies to better prepare them for success in their degree program. Eligible advanced-level students can also apply to take a credit course through Penn’s College of Liberal and Professional Studies (LPS).

Institute for Academic and Professional Studies

The Institute for Academic and Professional Studies provides a foundation for university-level English. Students receive an introduction to academic and professional subjects in English and experience life and culture at a U.S. university. 

• 4-week sessions
• 20 academic hours per week
• 4-5 Penn faculty guest lectures 
• 3 levels: pre-intermediate, intermediate, and advanced 
• Local field trips to museums, markets, and neighborhoods
• Weekend day trip to Washington D.C.
• Ticket and transportation to one major sporting event (based on the season)

Elective courses cover academic content on topics such as Communications, Innovation & Technology, Leadership, Marketing, Resiliency, and Sustainability while core courses include a focus on the culture and history of Philadelphia.

Student Activities

• Social and cultural activities, including museum visits, concerts, and parties
• Field trips, such as professional sporting events, shopping excursions, and beach trips
• Conversation Partners Program to practice English with native speakers
• Penn student clubs to volunteer, play sports, or explore new interests
• ELP Student Center to learn about fun events on campus and in Philadelphia or to relax and meet new people

Housing

• Off Campus Housing options are provided for all IAPS and IP sessions. Options depend on availability and length of program.
• Dormitories: July IAPS students can choose to live in on-campus Penn residence halls
• Homestay:  Some students choose to use homestay agencies to be placed with a family

ONLINE PROGRAMS

English for Professional Development

English for Professional Development is a course that offers the opportunity to develop English language skills in an online environment. It offers two tracks, Business and Sustainability, allowing learners to explore their specialized professional interests more deeply through video lectures, self-paced learning modules, and graded assignments.

• 8-week program
• Specialized tracks-Business or Sustainability
• Appropriate for learners with a B1 or B2 level of English

In this course, learners will explore the concepts, grammar, and vocabulary related to career development, while improving their professional speaking and writing skills. They will identify the key steps to advancing their careers in an English-speaking environment. In addition, learners will advance their language skills in a specialization in either Business or Sustainability.