English Language Institute

Professional and Academic English Program (PAEP)

General Overview

The English Language Institute's Professional and Academic English program immerses students in culture and language experienced in academic and professional environments. This is an intensive, 6-week program developed for international students who will attend graduate programs in the US or require English in their careers. Students develop the English language skills needed to be successful in an academic or professional environment, including giving presentations, writing a research paper, collaborating on group projects, and developing reading and listening strategies. PAEP is designed for students who have a high level of English proficiency.  

Dates

  • Summer 2023: June 12 - July 21, 2023
    • No classes June 19 (Juneteenth Holiday) and July 4 (Independence Day)
  • This program is offered only in the Summer Term.

Classes and Skills Developed

Classes are non-credit and meet for five hours a day, four days a week during the six-week program.  In this program, students will develop in the following skill areas:

Language Skills

Academic and Professional Skills
  • Giving professional oral presentations
  • Expanding reading strategies
  • Expanding listening comprehension
  • Strengthening speaking skills and fluency
  • Strengthening writing skills and fluency
  • Exploring the interaction of language and culture
  • Enhancing academic communication skills
  • Small group interaction for project work
  • Educational styles in US graduate schools
  • Communication styles
  • Research using library databases and resources

Program size is usually limited to 16 students.

Student Visas 

The ELI issues I-20s for student visas for study in this program. If an applicant has also been accepted to a graduate program, the I-20 will be transferred from the ELI to the relevant university at the end of the PAEP.  After completion of the program, the ELI will transfer the I-20 to the student's next University. Please note that part-time study is not possible in this program.

Tuition and Fees

Detailed information about tuition and fees can be found on the Tuition and Fees page

Campus Life

Students in the PAEP are part of the University of Pittsburgh community and can use all librariesrecreational/sports facilities and computer labs on campus. Students also have access to discounted cultural activities throughout the city.

Housing

Housing options for students in the PAEP include homestays, apartments near the university, student residence halls in downtown Pittsburgh, and university dorms. It is possible for graduate students to live in the University of Pittsburgh dormitories in the Fall and Spring Terms, but space is limited.

Application Process and Deadline

To apply for admission to the Professional and Academic English Program, applicants must show proof of:

  • acceptance by a graduate program at a university in the United States OR
  • a TOEFL iBT score of 80 (IELTS 6.5) (Duolingo 105) or higher

Students should submit a completed application and the necessary fees by the deadline of 12:00 pm. (EDT) on May 12, 2023.  Please apply as early as possible to avoid delays and to ensure a place in the program.   


Contact us for more information about the Professional and Academic English Program.