English Language Institute

Mission

The English Language Institute (ELI) provides student-centered English language programs and services that meet the academic, professional, and cultural needs of individuals and stakeholders. The ELI promotes student success through innovative instruction, comprehensive support services, and engaging community-building activities.

Overview

Our English Language programs are developed for students who have high-beginning to advanced English proficiency. We offer general English programs with structured skill-building and high-interest conversation, as well as academic English, and English for specific purposes. Our in-person 4-week and 8-week English programs are CEA-accredited.* 

The UC San Diego English Language Institute (ELI) offers courses throughout the year to students who are 18 years of age and older. Testing before beginning the program determines your class placement. UC San Diego English Language Institute (ELI) offers 8 levels of instruction. You will progress to the next level when you meet specific language skill requirements. Our proficiency levels for our short-term and 8-week programs describe the expected learning outcomes at each level.

Students must demonstrate a minimum high-beginner level of proficiency in order to participate in group classes. Students who do not qualify for full participation in English language programs will be scheduled for private or semi-private lessons with ELI instructors for an additional fee.