Intensive English Program

Established in 1979 and accredited with the AAIEP (American Association of Intensive English Programs) and the UCIEP (Consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs), the Intensive English Program in the Department of World Languages at West Virginia University has become a well-established English as a Second Language (ESL) program for international students needing to improve their English proficiency prior to entering an academic course of study.

Students of the IEP are given help for all aspects of their lives in Morgantown, West Virginia. Services include assistance with housing, banking, academic and personal counseling, health care, and legal matters. In addition, students have access to most University facilities and entertainment.

Core Curriculum

Reading

The Reading course is designed to improve skills and strategies for improving reading through extensive and intensive reading.

Vocabulary

Students will learn general and academic vocabulary as well as common idioms and practice them in a variety of oral and reading activities.

Writing/Study Skills

In this course, students will practice general writing skills as well as the type of writing skills needed for academic work, such as summarizing, paraphrasing, performing research, participating in class discussions, and presentations of researched material. Advanced students will learn how to use the university library for research and are required to write a research paper. In addition, students become familiar with basic computer operations, such as word processing, email, and accessing the World Wide Web.

Grammar

The Grammar course focuses on the learning of structures through oral and written communicative activities.

American Culture

The American Culture course investigates targeted areas of American culture by analyzing its culture, customs, and values through readings, video, discussion, surveys, interviews, guest speakers, and short field trips. The students are encouraged to participate actively in finding out about American culture by communicating with native speakers about topics which are relevant to their own lives and careers.

Communication Skills

The Communication Skills class is designed to maximize opportunities for speaking and listening to English. Students engage in a variety of pair, small group, and whole class activities, which provide meaningful practice to improve oral fluency. Activities include discussion, interviews, surveys, expressing opinions, role-plays, speeches, and debates, which are grouped around relevant themes. Students also practice the vowels and consonants which are typically difficult for international students, and the stress, rhythm, and intonation patterns of spoken English.

Elective Courses

Individualized Learning

The Individualized Learning course is based in the CALL Lab. Students will receive instruction on how to use computers and CALL Lab materials to improve their English proficiency. Students may use this time to focus on individual interests or problem areas. A variety of language learning technology and materials are available for students to work at their own pace: CDs and computer programs, the World Wide Web, email and discussion lists, extensive listening resources (cassette tapes), reading materials, and video tapes.

TOEFL Preparation

The TOEFL Preparation course focuses on the strategies, skills, and practice which students need to increase their TOEFL scores. Students practice a variety of activities designed to address problem areas of the TOEFL, analyze correct and incorrect answers, and practice the 3 sections of the test.

Business English/TOEIC

The Business English course offers practice in English for business and professional situations. Activities include discussions, learning of business vocabulary, and writing for business situations. The TOEIC (Test of English for International Communication) is also practiced and administered.

Reading Workshop

The Reading Workshop is designed for students to increase reading speed and comprehension through the use of a series of controlled individual exercises.

Application Deadlines

• Summer Semester – March 23

• Fall Semester – May 1

• Spring Semester – October 31

Student Housing

Students have many options when choosing where to live during their stay in Morgantown. Extensive off-campus housing is readily available in the form of rental apartments.

Students who are interested in participating in authentic American family life should consider our International Home-stay Program.

Apartments

There are a number of apartments and rented houses in Morgantown. You can choose to rent an apartment for yourself or share with one or more roommates. The rental fee depends on the number of people who live in the apartment. If you decide on renting an apartment, you should plan to pay a minimum of $350.00 plus utilities (water, telephone, gas, cable) for a room in a house or an apartment. If you want to live alone, the price could be double or more. Some apartments include utilities in the rental fee. For more information it is recommended that you consult the apartment lists in E. Moore Hall where the Office for International Students and Scholars is located.