Intensive English Program - Course Description

Four modules, in order of progression:

Listening, Reading, Writing, Immersion

Instruction:

• One semester (16 weeks): 320 hours
• One session (8 weeks): 160 hours
• One month (4 weeks): 80 hours

The length of time in the program depends on where the student starts. A student may spend 1, 2 or 3 months or more in each class of Listening, Reading and Writing in order to achieve a basic level of fluency. A student may skip a class if the student has a score of 70% or better in the placement test for that skill. In preparation for university academic work, a student may spend up to 4 months or more in Immersion, the highest level.

Placement testing:

• New students: 3 online proficiency tests in Listening, Reading, Writing at the start of the program.
• Continuing students: At the end of each month of study in order to measure improvement and to advance to the next level.
• Passing grade is 70%.

Classroom time:

4 hours per day, 5 days per week (Monday to Friday)

• During 3 hours of daily class time the student focuses primarily on one skill in order to improve proficiency: listening, reading or writing. The class includes a variety of interactive lessons taught by different teachers. The advanced level, Immersion, integrates all skills and speaking to prepare students for university level academic work in English.
• For 1 hour of daily class time, the student chooses an elective class. The student chooses the class at the beginning of each week and attends the same class for one week. The student can change to a different class the next week. The choice of electives may change from week to week and may include a grammar class, a pronunciation class, a conversation class, a TOEFL preparation class, a cinema class, or independent study.

Cultural enrichment

The IEP includes regular cultural enrichment activities such as English Conversation Table, Conversation Partners, and the Dining Out Club. An organized outing is planned each month, such as attending a major league baseball (Brewers) or basketball (Bucks) game; going to the theater or museums; visiting Madison, the capital of Wisconsin, or Chicago, Illinois; going bowling, canoeing or snow tubing. IEP students also are welcome to attend all events on the UWM campus, and there are opportunities to participate in volunteer activities.

For further information on the IEP, please see IEP FAQs.