The Intensive English Program (IEP) is designed for students who wish to communicate effectively in English for a variety of personal and academic purposes. IEP students develop a broad understanding of language and culture that will allow them to effectively pursue everyday needs and prepare them for higher-level language study. The IEP offers 20 hours of classes per week and three proficiency levels of study on a semester system. In addition to classes, the IEP offers cultural events and experiental learning opportunties on campus and in the Lincoln community.
Upcoming Sessions:
Fall Semester: August 21 to December 9, 2023
Spring Semester: January 22 to May 10, 2024
Summer Semester: May 20 to July 26, 2024
Program Costs:
Visit our Program Costs page for detailed information.
How to Apply:
Please apply to the IEP by completing the Intensive English Program (IEP) Application. Note that all applicants must be at least 18 years old and submit a bank statement showing adequate funding for at least one semseter of study. The current amount required for one semester is $17,090. You may contact the Program Director, Mr. Chris Dunsmore, by email at cdunsmore2@unl.edu if you have any questions. An in-person consultation can be arranged by Skype or Zoom.
Placement:
Since the IEP program starts at the Intermediate level, it is assumed that new students will have at least that level of proficiency when they apply. Therefore, it is highly recommended that you submit a recent TOEFL, IELTS, or Duolingo English Test (DET) score when you apply or set up virtual interview with the program director. The minimum recommended composite scores are as follows :
TOEFL 35 or higher
IELTS 5.0 or higher
DET 70 or higher
Further placement testing will be conducted upon arrival using the Michigan State University English Language Test (ELT). The ELT results, along with input from the IEP instructors, will determine the final placement for new students.
Level Progression:
Students who want to move to a higher level in the IEP will need to complete their current level (semester) with a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher. Students may also move to a higher level for the next semester by submitting a qualifying score from the English Language Test (ELT), which is optional at the end of the semester.
Students who want to take full academic classes at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln (UNL) in the following semester must meet the English proficiency requirements by achieveing a 3.0 GPA in the advanced level of the IEP or by submitting qualifying scores from the ELT, TOEFL, IELTS or Duolingo exams. Those students who are admitted only to the IEP must also apply for full admission to UNL. Admission to IEP alone does NOT guarantee admission to UNL.
Textbooks and Materials:
- Many materials will be provided through Canvas for students by the instructors
- e-book or regular textbook purchases may also be required (estimate $200 for books and materials if all three classes are taken)
Orientation:
Orientation will take place in two parts. Part I is an online orienation that you will complete on your own before you arrive on our campus. The information contained in this orientation include program and immigration policies, academic and campus resources, as well as information you will need to know about arriving on campus. You will be sent information about how to join and log-in to the orientation course a few weeks prior to the start of a session. Part II is an in-person orientation that takes place soon after you arrive on campus. You will take the English Placement Test at this time and participate in activities that help you get aquainted with campus and meet other students. Details about the in-person orientation will be included as part of the online orientation.
IEP Program Description:
The IEP program offers three proficiency levels ranging from intermediate to advanced.
The Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced levels all have three courses:
- Integrated Skills: Reading & Writing (8 hours per week)
- Integrated Skills: Listening & Speaking (7 hours per week)
- Grammar in Context (5 hours per week)
Typical IEP Schedule TIME Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday 8:30-9:20 am Listening/Speaking Listening/Speaking Listening/Speaking Listening/Speaking Listening/Speaking 9:30-10:20 am Reading/Writing Listening/Speaking Reading/Writing Listening/Speaking Reading/Writing 10:30-11:20 am Reading/Writing Reading/Writing Reading/Writing Reading/Writing Reading/Writing 11:30 am - 12:20 pm Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch 12:30-1:20 pm Grammar Grammar Grammar Grammar Grammar