Intensive Program in English as a Second Language (ESL)

UCB Suite 400
503-725-4088 | 503-725-2311 Fax
esl@pdx.edu

Mailing Address:
Intensive English Language Program
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland, OR 97207-0751

Street Address:
Intensive English Language Program
527 SW Hall Street
University Center Building, Suite 400
Portland, OR 97201

PROGRAM INFORMATION

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP) offers courses designed to develop students’ competence in listening, speaking, reading, and writing. The IELP offers a wide variety of courses to help students meet their goals. The IELP Intensive Program is offered throughout the regular academic year including the summer. There are two program options: (1) for students that desire academic preparation for undergraduate studies and (2) for students that desire academic preparation for graduate studies.

There are five levels, as well as a Pre-Entry Program for students with minimal English skills. New students must take the ESL placement exams given by the program the week prior to the new term. Students placed in the Pre-Entry Program must successfully pass that program before taking courses in Levels 1-5. Full-time students in the Pre-Entry Program register for 22 credits per term. Full-time students in Levels 1-5 register for 18 credits per term. For more information on the Intensive Program, see our IELP website: http://www.pdx.edu/esl/program-options.

Admission requirements

Admission requirements

The student must submit a completed application form and other materials requested on the application to the Office of Admissions at Portland State University. If the student is accepted, the I-20 or other appropriate forms will be issued. Upon arrival the student must take a placement test in English administered by the IELP. Placement into courses will be based on these test results as well as on TOEFL score reports if available.

Students who are admitted to PSU but have not met PSU’s language proficiency requirement can register as full time students in the IELP by contacting the IELP office and taking a placement test prior to their first term. PSU-admitted students can take one PSU course concurrently with Level 4 and 5 IELP classes if they meet eligibility requirements.

Students admitted to PSU without an ESL restriction may elect to take Academic Preparation courses in Levels 4 and 5. Up to 24 credits in the Academic Preparation programs can be applied towards an undergraduate degree.

For information and application materials, contact the IELP: http://www.pdx.edu/esl/contact