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 online courses, Conversation and Conversation and Fluency, are not 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.
ESL Programs for Adults
English for General Purposes
Improve your English fluency, learn about American culture, make friends from around the world, and practice with native English speakers.
Academic English
Refine your academic and communication skills at one of the world's top universities. Improve your proficiency exam scores and prepare for success at a U.S. university.
English for Specific Purposes
Gain the communication skills needed to advance your career, while learning about the American workplace.
Note: Each UC San Diego class hour is 50 minutes.
*The English Language Institute adheres to CEA Standards, which can be found at CEA Accreditation Standards. Information about filing a complaint against an accredited program can be found at CEA. Comments, complaints, or suggestions about our programs, classes, or your experience with ELI should be sent to the ELI directly at ipinfo@ucsd.edu.