During the week before classes begin, the Intensive English Program (IEP) placement test is given to determine the proper level of instruction for incoming students. Adjustments in placement may then be made at the end of the first week of class, after instructors have carefully reviewed each student’s performance. These procedures ensure that students receive the full benefit from the program as they progress through the instructional levels.
There are seven levels in the IEP. All levels meet for 20-25 classroom hours each week. Finishing Level 7 will waive the TOEFL requirement for international admission when applying to Indiana University. After completing Level 6 or 7, most students are ready to begin academic work at other colleges or universities as well.
Beginning through low-intermediate students take classes with specific attention to oral communication, reading and writing, as well as some direct attention to grammar.
Intermediate students take classes that emphasize academic preparation in a combined reading/writing course, an oral communication course, and a grammar course.
High intermediate students attend a required core set of classes which are a reading/writing course, an oral communication course, and a grammar course. Students in Level 6 can choose an optional skill-based or content-based elective class.
Finishing Level 7 will waive the TOEFL requirement for international admission when applying to Indiana University. Advanced students attend a required core reading/writing course and then choose two or three additional skill or content elective courses. This level is designed to be repeated by students who are advanced but require further language study for their intended majors. Topics of electives are changed every session.
The IEP regularly offers special courses for groups of students with particular needs or interests. Some of these are offered on a regular basis, such as Legal English during the summer, and some are offered by special arrangement at different times during the year like our Business English Preparatory Course.
If you are interested in a special arrangement for a group of students, please contact iep@iu.edu.
Elective courses are either skill-based or content based. Skill-based courses include advanced grammar, advanced pronunciation, advanced research writing, and TOEFL preparation. Content-based courses include topics in American film, current events, food, history, and multilingualism.
Students are expected to attend classes daily. Any student with excessive absences will be dismissed from the program and their sponsor will be notified (if applicable). Dismissal from the program also results in loss of access to university housing. For students on F-1 or J-1 visas, a dismissal from the program will also affect their immigration status.
The IEP Final Exam and the Institutional TOEFL are given to students at the end of each session. These scores as well as student achievement in class are recorded on an official evaluation form, offering an individual assessment of progress for each student. Students leaving the program are also awarded a Certificate of Participation.
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