Welcome to the UD ELI!

A private school education at a public school price.

You know value when you see it.

The University of Delaware (UD) is a nationally renowned research university with an award-winning faculty. We think big, but our smaller classroom sizes and hands-on learning opportunities mean the focus is always on students.

In the 2021 edition of Best Graduate Schools, U.S. News and World Report has ranked 18 University of Delaware graduate programs among the 100 best in the nation.

In 1923, UD established the nation’s first study abroad program, and today 5,000 international students, scholars and families call UD home.

The English Language Institute (ELI) is a connected, integrated academic unit of the University’s College of Arts and Sciences.

Those are just a handful of reasons to become our partner. Want to know more? Keep reading.

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About the University of Delaware

Established in 1743, the University of Delaware (UD) is a nationally and internationally recognized institution of higher learning on the U.S. East Coast.

UD has a long tradition of excellence in teaching, research and innovation. Throughout our history, UD graduates have made important contributions in the U.S. and around the world. Some of our alumni include former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, signers of the U.S. Declaration of Independence and Constitution, state governors and leaders of major companies.

About the English Language Institute

Founded in 1979, the University of Delaware English Language Institute (ELI) is a leader in the field of English as a Second Language (ESL) and is considered one of the top ESL programs in the United States. As an academic unit of the University of Delaware College of Arts and Sciences, we specialize in providing high-quality Academic English training and academic preparation for students who wish to attend a U.S. university.

All English Language Institute classroom instructors are members of the University’s faculty. They are native speakers or have native-like proficiency, hold Master’s degrees in Teaching English as a Second Language (MA-TESOL) or Applied Linguistics, and have extensive training and experience in teaching English as a Second Language (ESL).

Active in professional organizations such as TESOL and NAFSA, our outstanding faculty have enriched the field of ESL through their research, publications, and instructional innovation. They have authored textbooks that break new ground in the field.

Location

One important reason that students choose UD is its location in Newark, Delaware. Students can conveniently travel by train or car to any of the above cities, or they can drive to the Delaware beaches (one hour south of campus). We enjoy easy access to some of the most important historical, economic and cultural centers in the U.S.:

  • New York City (2 hours)
  • Washington, D.C. (2 hours)
  • Baltimore (1 hour)
  • Philadelphia (45 minutes)

Our city, Newark, Delaware, has a population of approximately 33,000 people and is known for its charming and friendly atmosphere. Students spend a great deal of time on our award-winning Main Street, enjoying the many cafes and international restaurants, and – of course – tax-free shopping!

Featured Programs

Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program (IEP) is our core program. Through its various tracks of study, IEP helps students to improve their English for general and professional purposes.

Tracks of study include:

  • General English
  • English for Academic Purposes
  • Business English
  • English through American Culture

IEP also includes a full cultural program, as well as various housing options.

Learn more about the IEP >

Language Adventure USA

This summer (July/August) program for teenagers (ages 15-17) includes a wonderful combination of courses in our English through American Culture track of study. Student enjoy a variety of activities, including hikes, picnics, concerts, and excursions to cultural and historical sites on the East Coast of the U.S. 

Learn more about Language Adventure USA >

Upcoming Session Dates

Session 6 2021
July 6 – August 20

See more about our session dates >

Notes:
Academic Transitions runs on a semester basis, with 3 semester per year. Semester start dates are marked with an asterisk (*). 
Application deadlines are normally one month prior to the beginning of on-campus classes to allow time for I-20 and visa processing.
All students are required to attend all Orientation activities. 

University Preparation Programs

Academic Transitions

Academic Transitions (AT) is a pathway program for students who have been conditionally-admitted to a bachelor’s degree program at the University of Delaware. Our Cohort experience helps students prepare to be successful university students. Students can earn up to 28 university credits while improving their Academic English!

Learn more about Academic Transitions >

Graduate Conditional Admissions

The Graduate CAP program helps students prepare academically and culturally for a Master’s or PhD program at the University of Delaware (or one of our partner universities). Graduate CAP students are never required to take a TOEFL or IELTS exam!

Learn more about Graduate CAP >

Accelerated University English Program

The Accelerated University English Program (AUEP) is super-intensive Academic English preparation for students who wish to pursue either an undergraduate or a graduate degree in the USA and who do not have a conditional admissions offer. Note: AUEP is also available to lower-level students who are on track for Academic Transitions or the Graduate Conditional Admissions Program.

Learn more about AUEP >

Customized Programs

We offer customized programs for international professionals, university and high school students with concentrations in business, law, food and nutrition, health, education, government, E-gaming, science and technology-to name a few.

Every special program includes hands-on practice; interaction and networking with professionals, students and academics in respective fields; field related/specific and cultural excursions; cultural exchange and language practice in relaxed settings through home hospitality, community events and peer mentoring.

Cultural Activities & Excursions

All ELI programs offer a variety of excursions and cultural activities. These activities are an important part of each student’s cultural experience while in the USA, and we encourage all of our students to attend. In addition, most activities are included in the price of the ELI program!

Excursions

Each session, we offer excursions to Washington, D.C. and to New York City. In addition, we often offer excursions to Baltimore, Philadelphia, Delaware Beaches, and to other local tourist attractions.

Cultural Activities

The ELI offers cultural activities during nearly every week of our programs. These activities include picnics, parties, sports days, trips to University sporting events, dances, ice skating, and more.

In addition, many ELI teachers sponsor special activities and clubs. For example, the ELI’s Self-Access Learning Center (SALC) sponsors the ELI Book Club, where students can read and discuss literature.

Learn more about student activities!

Contact Us

Wakako Pennington
Instructor/Academic Development Specialist

Speaks: English, Japanese

wakapen@udel.edu

Ana Kim
Instructor/Academic Development Specialist

Speaks: English, Korean

anaeun@udel.edu

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Now that you have learned about us, we would love to learn more about you. 

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