College of Arts & LettersIntensive English Program

Intensive English Program

The English Language Center's rigorous full-time Intensive English Program is designed for students who want to develop the academic English proficiency necessary to succeed in ODU's undergraduate and graduate programs. The ELC follows the university's academic calendar, offering three start dates: Spring (January-May), Summer (May-August), and Fall (August to December).

Class sizes average between 12 and 15 students. Upon entering the program, students complete a placement test and are assigned to the appropriate level of English instruction based on their score.

Content

Each week full-time students will spend twenty hours in class studying courses across skill areas depending on both level placement and enrollment. Courses offered in a typical semester include Listening and Speaking, Critical Reading, Writing from Sources, Writing Studio, Public Speaking, Pronunciation, and University 101. Topics in Digital Literacy and Topics in English for Academic Purposes are offered semesterly based on student need and interest.

Placement and Evaluation

There are four levels in the Intensive English Program: Basic, Intermediate, Advanced 1, and Advanced 2.

New students will be assigned to the appropriate level of difficulty based on the placement test given at the beginning of each session. Depending on enrollment in any given session, students may study in mixed-level sections or sections determined by proficiency level.

Advancing to the next level occurs when you meet grade and attendance requirements for the level. You will receive evaluations of their progress in the middle and at the end of each session. At the completion of your program, you will be awarded a certificate.