The Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program at Rice is open to non-native speakers of English who have a serious desire to improve their language skills. Classes are small, with an average of 12 students, and are offered at all levels, from beginning to advanced. Students from more than 115 countries have attended this program, which has been offered since 1978.

Types of Courses

The Intensive English Program at Rice offers a six-level core program that helps students build practical English skills for general, academic or professional purposes. Instruction in Levels 1-4 includes practical vocabulary, basic language structures and the essentials of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Conversational skills are developed in an interactive setting. In Levels 5-6, students continue to develop fluency and accuracy. Course work focuses on comprehensive skills and academic preparation skills. The Advanced Level is for students whose level of proficiency in English is beyond the six-level core program. Courses at this level focus on diverse areas of interest. Students may enroll in the Advanced Level more than one time with a different curriculum each time.

New! Online Certificate Program

English Success in the Workplace, an online certificate program, is designed to help students develop fluency and accuracy in English by improving their command of English in the workplace and strengthening their communication skills. Students will learn through engaging instructional videos and will have ample opportunity for practice. Students also have the option of attending virtual lessons in real time each week to get help and interact with their teacher and classmates. Classes meet only online. This is not an I-20 granting program. Those planning to study on an F-1 visa should consult the Intensive English Program. See the English Success in the Workplace website for more information.

Schedule

Six seven-week sessions are held each year in the Intensive English Program, beginning in January, March, May, July, September and November. Classes meet four hours daily, five days per week. The online certificate program holds four eight-week sessions each year and classes meet only online.

How to apply

Apply online to the Intensive English Program at esl.rice.edu/apply. To apply to the online certificate program, go here.  Admission to either of these programs does not constitute admission to any other unit of Rice University.  Students will not receive academic credit for courses in these programs.

Deadline for applications

See esl.rice.edu for deadline information.

Fee

See esl.rice.edu for current fees and tuition.

Requirements

Persons applying for admission to the Intensive English Program or the online certificate program must have graduated from secondary school. All prospective students must submit a completed application by the application deadline.

Housing

Intensive English students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Moderately priced facilities are generally available. Although the program does not provide housing or make housing arrangements, students may contact the Intensive English Program for a list of housing suggestions.

Rice University

Intensive English classes are held on the campus of Rice University, a small, private university known for its academic excellence and the achievements of its faculty, graduates and students. Facilities of the University, including the library and recreation center, are available to Intensive English students, as are sporting events, exhibitions, concerts, films and lectures. Rice is located in the beautiful museum district of central Houston, near the Texas Medical Center.

Houston, Texas

With a metropolitan area population of over 6 million, Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, located in the mild coastal climate near the Gulf of Mexico. A major international city, Houston boasts two international airports, museums, operas, festivals, theaters, concerts, sporting events, outstanding restaurants, shopping malls, one of the world's foremost medical centers, NASA's Johnson Space Center and many other attractions. The beaches of Galveston are less than an hour away.

Activities

Each session, Intensive English students enjoy social activities and events such as picnics, trips to the zoo and museums, the rodeo and professional sports events.