Intensive English Program
Program Facts
Year-round Start Dates, 4- and 8-week Sessions
20 Hours/Week, 80-160 Hours/Session
Introductory to Advanced Levels, CEFR A1-C2
In-person, Full-time or Part-time
F-1/F-2, J-1/J-2, B-1/B-2, Permanent Resident, U.S. Citizen
The Intensive English Program is designed for international students who are preparing to enter a university or graduate program in the U.S. It is also appropriate for working professionals and community members who want to improve their academic English. Â鶹ÒùÔº take writing, reading, listening and speaking, and elective courses. Classes are interactive and allow students to develop their language skills while practicing English in real situations. Class size is 12-15 students on average. Teachers provide students extensive feedback, which helps students to improve their English and build their confidence.
The program has eight levels*—four lower levels and four higher levels. The curriculum for each level is aligned with the standards of the Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR).
Lower levels provide a foundation in English language structure, vocabulary, reading, writing, listening, and speaking.
Higher levels focus on the academic skills needed to succeed in university or graduate school. This includes more complex and sophisticated uses of English in terms of essays, interactions, presentations, and projects.
*Currently, the IEC offers 6 levels of English, and our lowest level is high beginner (CEFR A2+). If you would like to join our Intensive English Program, please review your English level here to make sure you meet our entry-level requirements. If you do not meet the minimum English requirement, you may be transferred to another program.
IEC English placement levels correspond to a range of Common European Framework of Reference (CEFR) levels. Consideration is given to how students score on individual reading, writing, and listening skills.
| Lower Levels | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| Level 1 (Introductory) | A1 |
| Level 2 (Low Basic) | A1/A2- |
| Level 3 (Basic) | A2-/A2+ |
| Level 4 (Low Intermediate) | A2+/B1- |
| Higher Levels | CEFR Level |
|---|---|
| Level 5 (Intermediate) | B1-/B1+ |
| Level 6 (High Intermediate) | B1+/B2- |
| Level 7 (Low Advanced) | B2-/B2+ |
| Level 8 (Advanced) | B2+/C1 |
The program consists of three core courses: Writing; Listening and Speaking; and Reading.
- Grammar and vocabulary building are integrated into each core course.
- Instructors provide short lectures on new language points.
- Â鶹ÒùÔº engage in individual, pair, and small group activities to practice, review, apply and expand on skills.
- Textbooks, adapted texts, authentic materials, and student projects are incorporated throughout.
Writing
6 hours per week
This course provides students with the skills needed for effective academic writing. The writing process is emphasized, with a particular focus on paragraph and essay development, as well as error correction. Â鶹ÒùÔº gain practice in writing clear, concise, well-supported, and accurate communication using summary writing, paraphrasing, quoting, and synthesis. Reading materials provide a basis for developing ideas and models for writing.
Listening and Speaking
6 hours per week
This course helps students improve their oral communication skills in various social and academic settings. Â鶹ÒùÔº develop their conversation skills through role-plays, discussions, and vocabulary-building exercises. Lectures, debates, and formal discussions enable students to improve their note-taking skills, listening comprehension, and critical thinking. Oral presentations allow students to develop public speaking skills, effective body language, and pronunciation.
Reading
4 hours per week
This course is designed to assist students in becoming more confident and proficient readers in English. Â鶹ÒùÔº explore a variety of reading genres, including newspaper and magazine articles, websites, short stories, novels, university textbooks, and other non-fiction books. Reading skills, such as predicting, skimming, scanning, reading for details, vocabulary-building, inferencing, summarizing, and critical thinking are emphasized. Classroom discussions and exercises allow students to share and discuss their ideas about texts.
Each session, students have the opportunity to register for one elective course.
- Each elective course meets 4 hours per week.
- Elective courses complement the core courses and provide students with the opportunity to focus on a specific skill or content area.
- Elective courses are multi-level.
- There are certain elective courses for lower level students and certain elective courses for higher level students (see below).
- Not all electives are offered each session.
Sample Weekly Schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:30-10:20 | Writing | Reading | Writing | Reading | Writing |
| 10:20-10:40 | Break | ||||
| 10:40-12:30 | Listening and Speaking | Elective | Listening and Speaking | Elective | Listening and Speaking |
| 13:20-15:10 | Orientation | ||||
Prospective students may take our online placement test to ensure a minimum English proficiency level.
New students take a placement test on the first day of the session. This test determines their level of English. The placement test includes:
- Reading (a computer-based test)
- Listening (a computer-based test)
- Grammar (a computer-based test)
- Narrative essay
- Expository essay
- All dates and prices are subject to change without notice.
- All prices are in U.S. dollars.
- Tuition is due on the first day of class unless otherwise noted.
The International English Center offers the following tuition discounts for non-degree classes:
- University of Colorado current and retired staff from any of the CU campuses: 25%
- Spouses & children of CU faculty, CU staff, CU scholars and current degree-seeking students: 25%
- Â鶹ÒùÔº from international high school partner institutions: 10%
To request a faculty or staff discount, you must provide a printed copy of the job held.
If you are eligible for a spouse or employee tuition discount, you may be able to waive all student fees except the IEC student fee.
Beginning ​Fall 2 2022, the IEC will offer a 15% tuition discount to local community members. To qualify for this discount, please provide proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency AND proof of Colorado residency. Â鶹ÒùÔº who are sponsored by a foreign government are not eligible for the local community member discount.
Examples of proof of U.S. citizenship or U.S. permanent residency
- U.S. passport
- U.S. naturalization certificate
- U.S. birth certificate
- U.S. permanent resident card (Green Card)
Examples of proof of Colorado residency
- Colorado driver’s license
- Colorado state ID
- Colorado state tax return
- Utility bills with Colorado address
Contact iecaccounting@colorado.edu for more information.
The minimum level of English proficiency accepted by the IEC is CEFR A2+. Please review the chart below to make sure you meet the minimum requirement.
| Skill | CEFR Level A2 |
| Listening | I can understand phrases and the highest frequency vocabulary related to areas of most immediate personal relevance (very basic personal and family information, shopping, local area, employment). I can catch the main point in short, clear, simple messages and announcements. |
| Reading | I can read very short, simple texts. I can find specific, predictable information in simple everyday material such as advertisements, prospectuses, menus and timetables and I can understand short simple personal letters. |
| Spoken Interaction | I can communicate in simple and routine tasks requiring a simple and direct exchange of information on familiar topics and activities. I can handle very short social exchanges, even though I can't usually understand enough to keep the conversation going myself. |
| Spoken Production | I can use a series of phrases and sentences to describe in simple terms my family and other people, living conditions, my educational background and my present or most recent job. |
| Writing | I can write short, simple notes and messages relating to matters in areas of immediate needs. I can write a very simple personal letter, for example thanking someone for something |
If you are not sure you meet the minimum English requirement, we recommend you take a free practice test. Please visit one of the following sites to check your English proficiency:
Minimum Scores:
IELTS: 3+
Duolingo: 55+
Yes. On your application, you will select the Summer Session of study. Additionally, you will email ieccu@colorado.edu and indicate the exact dates you would like to study.
During your new student orientation at the IEC, you will meet with your Academic Advisor. Your advisor will ask you questions about your academic goals and will help you select the elective class that is best for you.