The English Language Programs

The English Language Programs (ELP) is the English as a Second Language (ESL) division of the University of Pennsylvania. Located on the East Coast of Pennsylvania, the ELP provides students with a diverse range of English study options as well as access to an abundance of University resources and all the cultural and social offerings of the city of Philadelphia.

The ELP offers a wide variety of programs and courses for students, scholars, and professionals. Students can prepare for study at an American university, improve their general English skills, or improve language skills and knowledge of U.S. culture needed for their careers.

In addition to a complete program of English courses, many student services are available. A dedicated staff and faculty assist students with college applications, recommendation letters, housing, cultural adjustment, visas, tutoring, and academic advising. Many activities are organized for students outside the classroom, including events in the Student Center, a Conversation Partners program, and field trips in and around Philadelphia.

All instructors have completed graduate level course work in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages or a related field. They use current teaching methods that encourage students to practice English for real situations outside the classroom.

The English Language Programs is accredited by the Commission on English Language Accreditation (CEA) and is a member of NAFSA, AAIEP, and UCIEP.

Intensive Programs

• 2-month sessions year-round
• nearly 40 courses, including general English and U.S. culture, academic English, and English for special purposes
• 8 levels of instruction from beginning to advanced
• small class size (average of 14 students)
• Conversation Partners Program
• e-mail accounts and access to the Internet
• certificates of completion
• part-time, full-time and super-intensive study options
• Business Intensive option for students interested in business
• advanced students may apply to take University credit courses
• Institutional TOEIC

University Connection

• preparation for university application and admissions (undergraduate and graduate/professional)
• long term program; entry points in March, July, and October
• intensive academic language and study skills preparation
• individual advising and assistance with the university application process, including test preparation (TOEFL, SAT, GRE, GMAT)
• credit course study and university orientation workshops

Business English

• Business and Culture
• Business Intensive Program
• International Business Communication Program
• Summer Institute for International Business Students (pre-MBA)
• Executive Communication Courses
• Wharton-ELP Alliance Certificate Program

Online Courses

• Flexible courses that can be taken from home
• Frequent and detailed feedback from teachers
• Variety of courses:
  • Writing for Professional Purposes
  • Writing That Works
  • Grammar for Writers
  • The TOEFL Essay
  • The University Application Essay
  • Writing the GMAT/GRE Analytical Essay
  • Writing for Biomedical Professionals
  • Grammar for Biomedical Professionals

Summer Programs

• Conversation and Culture
• Business and Culture
• English Language Academy (4 week program for high school students)
• Summer Institute for International Business Students (pre-MBA)

Housing Options

• ELP House at the University City Sheraton Hotel
• International House of Philadelphia
• Homestay
• off-campus apartments and corporate accommodations

The University of Pennsylvania

The University of Pennsylvania, called Penn informally, is located on a tree-lined campus in the center of Philadelphia. With 23,000 students, it is one of the largest Ivy League universities. One of the oldest universities in the U.S., Penn was founded by Benjamin Franklin in 1740 and is the home of the Wharton School of Business, the first medical school in the U.S., and the first electronic digital computer in the world. The University is ranked among the ten best American universities according to US News & World Report.

Philadelphia

The City of Philadelphia, with a metropolitan population of 5 million, is one of the largest and most historic cities in the US. Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, the Philadelphia Orchestra, Museum of Art, jazz clubs and professional sports teams are a few of the attractions you will find in the city. Conveniently located on the East Coast between New York and Washington, D.C., Philadelphia is also within easy travel distance to Boston, Baltimore, and the Atlantic Ocean beaches.