For those seriously interested in improving their English and academic skills and preparing for university study in a relatively short period of time, the ELI provides the services and benefits of the only intensive English language program in metropolitan Detroit. This intensive program consists of 18 class hours per week of high-intermediate- and advanced-level instruction. All levels focus on communicative skills and integrate listening, speaking, and pronunciation in one module; writing, reading, and vocabulary in a second module; and grammar in a third module. Classes reinforce communication skills while emphasizing academic skills. These include: 

• Listening to academic lectures, note-taking, giving formal presentations, and debating
• Developing academic vocabulary and responding to readings
• Writing academic essays
• Citing sources, paraphrasing, and summarizing

Academic calendar

The ELI follows the University calendar with three semesters per year.  Prior to the start of classes is an orientation session for new students followed by testing and registration. At the conclusion of the semester, ELI graduates are honored at a recognition ceremony. Please note that the ELI observes the same holidays and closures as Wayne State University but may have different starting, ending, and testing dates. In addition, there is a one-week mid-semester break during each 12-week session. Students will receive a copy of the ELI student calendar at registration.

Each semester, students who enroll in the ELI full time will receive the following:

• approximately 216 teacher contact hours
• personal advising/counseling as needed
• the opportunity to participate in social and/or educational field trips hosted by the ELI and Office of International Programs
• a new student orientation session

Progression through the program

At the end of each semester, all students are evaluated for placement for the following term based on course grades. Course grades of C+ (78%) or higher are required to pass ELI courses.  Passing the course moves the student to the next level in each class.

The duration of study in the English Language Institute for individual students varies depending on such factors as proficiency level and motivation.  Students can expect to spend as little as one semester in the ELI for advanced-level students and two semesters for high-intermediate-level students.

Completion of program

Students in the Academic English band will satisfy Wayne State University's general English proficiency requirement for admission when they pass all advanced-level classes with grades of C+ or higher.  In other words, standardized test scores, such as TOEFL and IELTS, are not required to move on to Wayne State University.

After final grades are submitted, a student's completion of the intensive program will be certified by submitting a memo to the admissions offices and removing the English language proficiency hold from the student's record.  The student will also receive a Certificate of Completion from the ELI.

Schedule

All courses are 6 class hours each and meet 4 days per week for 90 minutes each day. The chart below shows a detailed schedule for the intensive program. 

View the curriculum and placement chart for more information about the Intensive English program.