About Our Program

The English Language Institute is an intensive English program designed to help international students attain the English proficiency necessary to enter a college or university in the United States. It is also suitable for individuals who may wish to learn English for business or personal reasons. There is an average enrollment of seventy-five students from twenty-five to thirty different countries each semester. Programs can also be designed to meet the special needs of groups.

Each student is placed in one of six levels on the basis of placement tests. Experienced and professional faculty members utilize the latest teaching techniques to help students attain competency in all aspects of the English language. The length of time necessary to complete the program depends on the student's English background, diligence, and motivation.

Classes are offered in all skill areas: listening/speaking, structure, reading, and composition. Also offered are sessions in the reading and computer laboratories. All students, regardless of level, attend class twenty-five hours each week. Advanced level students may, with the approval of the appropriate academic officials and the director of ELI, attend an OSU class on a non-credit basis. The student is responsible for the cost of such classes.

Any person with a high school diploma or its equivalent is eligible for admission to the English Language Institute. Previous English study is not required. English proficiency requirements for admission to Oklahoma State University are 500 TOEFL (paper-based) or 173 (computer-based) for undergraduates and 550 TOEFL (paper-based) or 213 (computer- based) for graduates, depending on the area of study. Admission to the English Language Institute does not constitute admission to Oklahoma State University. To pursue an academic degree program at OSU, students will need to complete the separate undergraduate or graduate application process.

Students must arrive at least one week prior to the beginning of the semester in order to complete their registration, take placement exams, and attend required orientation sessions. Assistance will be provided in locating housing, establishing bank accounts, and shopping for initial necessities. Airport greeter service is available prior to the fall and spring semsters.

An orientation to the English Language Institute, Oklahoma State University, and the city of Stillwater is provided at the beginning of each semester and continues throughout the semester. Some of the special activities provided for ELI students include American holiday celebrations, picnics, and short field trips. The highlight of each semester is an out-of-state trip to points of historical and cultural interest. This unique opportunity to expand cultural awareness under the guidance of ELI faculty members is considered an integral part of the students' educational experience. Students pay no additional fee for transportation or lodging on these trips.

Upon completion of each level, students receive progress reports showing grades, attendance figures, and performance evaluations. The TOEFL score achieved at the end of the semester is also noted in the report. Students who are in good standing and receive 500 or more on the TOEFL before leaving ELI are awarded Certificates of Proficiency. Those who leave the program before attaining 500 are given Certificates of Attendance.

Regular testing is done throughout each semester. An Institutional TOEFL is administered by the English Language Institute at the end of each semester. In addition, Oklahoma State University is an International TOEFL Testing Center.