(Decommissioned) Intensive English Language Program – LR 519.2

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Status: Decommissioned

University of Arkansas at Little Rock
Policy Name: Intensive English Language Program
Policy Number: LR 519.2
Effective Date: April 7, 2010

Policy

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP), in the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences, offers non‐English speakers a full-time program in English language skills: speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture, pronunciation, and grammar. After completing IELP, students with the necessary academic qualifications may be admitted to UA Little Rock without taking the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the Test of Written English (TWE), or the Michigan test.

IELP provides language training as well as cultural and academic orientation programs for the following students:
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  • International undergraduate or graduate students applying for admission to a U.S. college or university who must first improve their language skills.
  • International undergraduate or graduate students who have been admitted to UA Little Rock but require further language preparation.
  • Community residents who want to improve their English language skills for personal or professional purposes.

IELP Objectives

  1. To help students improve the speaking, listening, reading, writing, culture, pronunciation, and grammar skills that will enable them to successfully undertake work in regular university classes.
  2. To enable students to participate actively in most conversational situations.
  3. To introduce students to American culture in terms of a typical U.S. campus and community.
  4. To foster international and intercultural awareness and understanding.

Eligibility

Students 17 years of age or older are eligible for admission to IELP. No prior knowledge of English is necessary. Foreign students must provide documentation to establish their ability to support themselves while in the U.S.

English as a Second Language (ESL)

Credit and non‐credit courses in ESL are offered during the fall, spring, and summer semesters. Intensive English classes focus on preparation for university study. Placement testing for the three‐level intensive English program is held at the beginning of each semester. Testing is also available for international students who require language clearance before registering for UA Little Rock classes. Students receive English instruction at the appropriate level of difficulty.

  1. Placement: Upon arrival, students are placed in the appropriate level on the basis of diagnostic tests.
  2. Levels: The IELP offers three levels of instruction: Foundations, Intermediate, and Pre‐university/TOEFL.
  3. Classes: Each student has at least 20 hours of instruction per week; every student works to acquire grammar, pronunciation, culture, reading, writing, listening, speaking, and study skills. TOEFL preparation is offered at the highest level.
  4. Time frame: There are three semesters of instruction each year; each term is approximately fifteen weeks in length. Students may progress from Foundations to the Pre‐university/TOEFL level in one year. However, determination and diligence determine how quickly an individual advances to the next level.

Visa Requirements

Every IELP student must follow standard U.S. Immigration and Naturalization Service procedures for entry into the U.S. A student planning to study in the U.S. must obtain an F‐1 Visa. UA Little Rock is authorized to issue a Certificate of Student Eligibility (I‐20) to eligible students. Students with the F‐1 Visa must remain full‐time students to maintain F‐1 status.

Application and Admission

The student should initiate the application process at least three months before planning to enter UA Little Rock. To apply:

  1. Complete and submit the IELP application form, located at https://ualr.edu/ielp.
  2. Submit supporting financial data (data must be verified by a bank stamp or the local U.S. Embassy or Consulate).
  3. Send a U.S. $100 bank draft or money order as a nonrefundable application fee. An I‐20 will be sent to qualified applicants. Please allow one month for return.

Tuition

Students should access the IELP web site (https://ualr.edu/ielp) or contact the IELP for up‐to‐date information on costs for tuition, housing and food, books, medical insurance, and other fees.

Working While at IELP

IELP Students are not allowed to work while they are studying at IELP. Once an IELP student graduates from the program, he/she might be able to work on campus, but the student must obtain prior approval from the Office of International Services (Stabler Hall 105).

Source: UALR Undergraduate Catalog 2009-10, p. 16
Revised: April 7, 2010, February 22, 2023
Status: Decommissioned
Approved By: Chancellor Christina Drale
Custodian: IELP Office