ELI Classes

The English Language Institute is a place of high quality. It is one of the first three schools in the United States to become a member of the Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA). The ELI is also a member of the consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) and of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP). Only programs which have met the highest professional standards are members of these organizations.

The ELI offers a five level program. Courses at the advanced level (Level 5) are credit bearing. Students also have the opportunity of tranferring up to two years of credit from international colleges and universities.

No TOEFL score is needed for entry into the ELI. EWU accepts our admissible ELI students after successful completion of Level 5 without a TOEFL score.

The faculty are professionally trained, experienced language teachers who emphasize the active use of English in class. Instructors are usually available outside of class time to assist students.

Students may take time for fun with their International Peer Advisor (IPA). IPAs are American university students who are matched with small groups of ELI students for conversation practice They also help students get accustomed to American life with fun activities and field trips.

The English Language Institute prepares students before they enter an American university. Special attention is given to taking notes in lectures, talking in group discussions, making presentations, reading academic texts, and writing research papers. These skills are keys to success in American universities.

English Language Institute students who are academically admissible to Eastern Washington University may enroll directly in undergraduate classes when they have successfully passed the English Language Institute requirements. More information is available at Eastern's International Student Services Admissions page.

Many students enroll at Eastern Washington University as undergraduates after completing the Institute: a TOEFL score is not required for these students. Other students transfer to other universities in the United States or return to their home countries after improving their abilities in English. The English Language Institute Academic Advisor will assist students in the process of enrolling at Eastern Washington University.