SAELL Intensive English Program (IEP)
Our Intensive English Program (IEP) is in person at our Main Campus in Chicago. Our goal is to prepare students to succeed in their future academic or professional use of English.
We have three terms each year:
- Fall (16 weeks, August-December)
- Spring (16 weeks, January-May)
- Summer (12 weeks, May-August)
Full-time students take 18 hours of classes per week in fall and spring, or 24 hours per week in summer. F-1 visa holders are required to be enrolled full-time.
Part-time students (not on an F-1 visa) take 6-12 hours of classes per week in fall/spring, or 8-16 hours per week in summer.
Intensive English Program Levels
SAELL has multiple levels of instruction based on the CEFR standards: A2, B1, B2. The SAELL curriculum was designed to develop the four core language skills — listening, speaking, reading and writing — through consistent engagement with these skills throughout each level of instruction. In addition, the curriculum integrates grammar, vocabulary, culture, and content courses, and writing for specific purposes. The goal of the SAELL curriculum is to build English language fluency while integrating the skills necessary for students to succeed within their university programs and/or career paths.
Students are placed into their level of study based primarily on the TOEFL ITP and a writing assessment, or their progress in the last semester. Some course assignments may vary based upon individual skill area scores. All new full-time students take TOEFL ITP during their first orientation week.
|
Program Level |
CEFR |
TOEFL ITP |
IELTS |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | A2 | <430 | <4.0 |
| 2 | B1- | 430-465 | 4.0-4.5 |
| 3 | B1 | 465-500 | 4.5-5.5 |
| 4 | B1+/B2 | 500-550 | 5.5-6.5 |
*Please note: Due to limitations on students entering the U.S. on student visas, some program levels may be combined in a single cohort.
See the required for admission to NEIU degree programs (bachelor's and master's).
Intensive ENglish Program Courses
We offer three core classes: Listening & Speaking; Reading & Writing; and Grammar
Sample Intensive English Program (full-time) schedule
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 a.m.-12 p.m. | Listening & Speaking | Reading & Writing | Listening & Speaking | Reading & Writing | - |
| 12-1 p.m. | BREAK | BREAK | BREAK | BREAK | - |
| 1-4 p.m. | Grammar | - | Grammar | - | - |
Important Dates
Admission Deadlines
Completed applications for our in-person Intensive English Program must be received by the dates noted in the chart below. Student applications will not be reviewed until all application materials have been submitted by the applicant and received by SAELL. Completed applications include the application, application fee, and immigration documents (if required). Once reviewed, the applicant will be notified of the admission decision.
| Type of Application | Fall | Spring | Summer |
|---|---|---|---|
| International Admission (outside U.S.) | June 15 | October 1 | March 1 |
| Transfer Admission (within U.S.) | August 1 | January 1 | May 1 |
Academic Calendar
| Spring 2025 | Summer 2025 |
Fall 2025 (Subject to Change) |
|
|---|---|---|---|
| First Week of Classes |
Orientation January 16-17 Classes begin January 21 |
Orientation May 22-23 Classes begin May 27 |
Orientation August 27-28 Classes begin September 2 |
|
Last Week of Classes (Finals Week) |
May 5-8 | August 4-7 | December 8-11 |
Costs for SAELL Intensive English Program
TUITION and FEES(16 weeks Fall/Spring or 12 Weeks Summer) |
|
|---|---|
| Schedule Course Load | Tuition and fees, including textbooks |
|
Full-time (18 hours/week in fall/ spring, 24 hours per week in summer) |
$4,200 |
|
Part-time (12 hours/week in fall/ spring, 16 hours per week in summer) |
$2,800 |
|
Part-time (6 hours/week in fall/ spring, 8 hours per week in summer) |
$1,400 |
*Insurance and living expenses are not included in tuition and fees.
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SAELL is a proud member of EnglishUSA.
