Virginia Commonwealth University

Academic Preparatory Program Academic Preparatory Program ELP offers three levels of study – Level 1 (beginners), Level 2 (intermediate), and Level 3 (Advanced). Following successful completion of Level 3 coursework, you will receive an ELP Certificate and be able to begin your studies at VCU if you have received conditional admission. Level 1: Core curriculum consists of 22 hours of ESL instruction per week for the Fall and Spring semesters (16 weeks). You will take 12 hours of Written Communication, 10 hours of Oral Communication, and 4 hours of Conversation Skills. Levels 2 & 3: Core curriculum consists of 22 hours of ESL instruction per week for the Fall and Spring semesters (16 weeks). You will take 8 hours of Written Communication, 8 hours of Oral Communication, and 3 hours of a skills course or an academic preparation course you can choose given advisor and/or Director approval. Students who finish the program may request a certificate of completion.

Enrichment Program This program is specifically designed for full- and part-time students who want to improve their English skills. Many students in the English Enrichment Program enroll in elective courses. This program is also intended for partner universities or for short-term ESL study. When students leave the program, they can request a certificate of attendance with the levels they have completed in each skill area.

Summer programs ELP offers students three options of study in the summer: * Complete Summer Term: Students are encouraged to study in the ELP 12-week Summer term. This longer session offers students more course choices and an effective means by which to learn English language skills. * Summer 1: Students may enroll in courses during the first 8-week ELP Summer term. Instruction is held in May-June. * Summer 2: Student may enroll in courses during the second 8-week ELP Summer term. Instruction is held in July-August.

Electives Below is a sampling of elective courses. The content and availability of electives varies from session to session. Please see an ELP adviser for the elective schedule.

ㆍAccent Reduction

ㆍCommunication and American Film

ㆍConversation and Current Events

ㆍConversation and Current Events (Business)

ㆍExploring U.S. Culture

ㆍReader’s Theatre 1

ㆍReader’s Theatre 2

ㆍConversation Through Reading

ㆍBusiness Writing

ㆍGrammar in Practice

ㆍTOEFL Prep

Express program Some students may wish to accelerate their opportunity to learn English or get a head start on the upcoming semester. The Express Program allows students begin their ELP studies in either May or July for one summer session of 12 weeks (May through August) and two summer sessions of 8 weeks (May through June, July through August). Please click on the Sessions button above for more information about these terms and placement test dates. The ELP Express course is a super-intensive language program that condenses the regular 16-week semester into an 8-week term. Only highly motivated English learners and those willing to study long hours throughout the day should apply for this program. Students can succeed in this program only if they possess a strong sense of time management, meet with their teachers frequently, submit homework on time, participate in class discussions, and study harder than usual. Students who successfully complete the Express Program at either Level 1 or 2 will be promoted to the next level. Those who successfully complete the Level 3 Express Program can continue their studies at VCU.

Short-term programs We currently offer a wide variety of short-term programs. Please contact us at +1 (804) 828-8792 and let us know how we can serve you. Given our diverse course offerings and experienced faculty and staff, we will be happy to design a program that meets your needs.