Intensive English Program (IEP)
Curriculum
CESL provides superior English language instruction through a comprehensive curriculum that prepares students for academic and professional success. Our English language classes serve the linguistic and professional development needs of The University of Arizona and the greater global community. CESL promotes cultural and linguistic diversity and understanding through sensitivity, professionalism, and collaboration both on and off campus.
One important feature of the CESL curriculum is its flexibility. We understand that students learn in different ways and offer a variety of instructional methodologies to meet student learning styles. Our classes are active and require intense student participation to improve individual language skills.
Placement and Class Changes
The Curriculum at CESL includes a daily schedule of 20-23 hours per week instruction for each of five to seven levels of English ability, designated levels 10 through advanced. The number of levels will vary depending on student enrollment and need. Classes may be scheduled any time between 8:00 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. daily. Students must be available for class during this time.
Upon arrival at CESL, students take the placement test during orientation. Placement in core classes is individualized; in other words, students may place in different levels in different skills. Our students can, therefore, progress more rapidly at their own rate in learning English.
Many factors affect performance on the placement test; therefore, during the first 3 days of class all instructors perform further diagnostic evaluation and change students if necessary.
- Instructors may initiate a level change for new students if they believe a student has been placed above or below their ability level.
- Continuing students are placed based on their grades in the previous level, and in general do not change levels.
- Other reasons for class and level changes are handled on a case-by-case basis.
Additional support and classes
In addition to the full-time program, CESL students can choose to take skill-based classes at additional cost, spend the time in our independent study lab, or simply concentrate on the required core classes. Individual students progress at different rates. It will take some students longer to achieve academic proficiency in English than others. Students should expect to repeat at least one level at the intermediate and advanced levels.
For additional options and skill-based classes, please see our Part-Time Programs.
Please Note: Admission to CESL's intensive English program does not guarantee admission to the University of Arizona. Students who are conditionally admitted to the University of Arizona must meet the English language requirement for admission either with the required TOEFL score or by CESL endorsement.
Students who seek admission to CESL or the University of Arizona should note that agent processing or assistance is not required. Any fees you pay to them for this service are retained by the agent and not paid to the university.
Highlights
- CEA Accredited
- Sessions may begin in August, October, January, March, June, or July
- 8 levels
- 180 hours of instruction in two months
- 22 hours of instruction per week
- Students take placement test upon arrival
- Class size: 15-18
- Application fee $105
- Cost is $3056 for two months for tuition and fees
- Average number of enrolled students per session: 300
Our levels and what they mean
Click here for tentative schedule
| Our levels | Corresponding Standardized Test Data* | What they mean |
| Level 10 | No data (novice users) | Beginning |
| Level 20 | No data (beginning users) | |
| Level 30 | 430 PBT*, 38 iBT**, 56 MELAB** | |
| Level 40 | 450 PBT, 44 iBT, 60 MELAB | Intermediate |
| Level 50 | 480 PBT, 54 iBT, 65 MELAB | |
| Level 60 | 485 PBT, 57 iBT, 66 MELAB | Advanced |
| Level 70 | 505 PBT, 62 iBT, 70 MELAB | |
| Pilot levels 80 & 90 | 505+PBT, 62+ iBT, 70+MELAB | Graduate-Bound and Students with or near Admission |
*The estimated score is based on the overall average scores of students taking ITP/PBT while in that level. Note: Average TOEFL ITP/PBT gains from level to level range from 9 to 36 per level. This data is not a guarantee of placement at CESL nor predictive of advancement, but is for illustrative purposes only.
**Based on corresponding data of MELAB with PBT and iBT, + or - 3 points, and TOEFL/IELTS correspondence charts.
