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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 2025: June 16 - July 25
    • No classes on June 19th (Juneteenth Holiday) and July 4-5th (Independence Day)
  • This program is offered only in the Summer Term.

Classes and Skills Developed

Classes are non-credit and meet for 20 hours per week during the six-week program. In this program, students will develop in the following skill areas:

Language Skills

 Academic and Professional Skills
  • Academic and professional communication skills
  • Integrating research into presentations and writing
  • Listening comprehension strategies
  • Reading comprehension strategies 
  • Grammar and vocabulary accuracy
  • Small group interaction for project work
  • Educational styles in US graduate schools
  • Communication styles
  • Research using library databases and resources

The 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.

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. (EST) on April 30th, 2025, or as soon as possible if an I-20 for a student visa is needed. Please apply as early as possible to avoid delays and to ensure a place in the program. Applicants not needing an I-20 may submit applications until June 3, 2025.