University of Southern Maine

The Intensive English Language Program (IELP), located on the Portland campus, is designed to meet the English Language needs of international students whose first language is not English and who wish to study at USM or other universities in the United States. The primary focus is to help students improve their skills in academic reading, writing, speaking and listening. The program also focuses on study skills and provides the cultural orientation necessary for success at the university level. Integrated into the course work are computer skills, authentic reading materials, journal writing, essay writing, group work, pair work, field trips to places of local interest, interviews with native English speakers, pronunciation practice and TOEFL preparation. All IELP classes are taught by qualified faculty with at least a Master's Degree. Because all classes are small (8 -15 students), each student receives individualized attention. All instruction is based on learning English through communicative teaching approaches and classes are highly interactive.