Drexel University English Language Center (Drexel ELC)

Language school, English courses in Philadelphia, The United States

The English Language Center (ELC) at Drexel University has taught English to adult learners from around the world since 1988. It is located on Drexel's campus, in an urban residential area 10 minutes from historic Philadelphia. Its Intensive English Program and International Gateway Program are accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for August 2018 to August 2027, and the center is a member of EnglishUSA and UCIEP.

Intensive English Program: eight levels, 21 hours a week, courses of 6 to 11 weeks year-round, with pre-academic work and TOEFL/IELTS preparation
International Gateway Program: a conditional-admission foundation year leading into an undergraduate major at Drexel
UPrep and Grad Prep: provisional admission programmes for pre-admitted Drexel students
Admissions Process Support Program (ELCAPS): guidance on applying to US colleges and universities
Summer cultural immersion programmes for groups of ten or more, and a summer programme for new international teaching assistants

All new students take a placement test and attend an orientation before classes start. Classes are small, and weekly activities on campus and around Philadelphia give students the chance to meet American students. Gateway students can start in September, January or March/April. Continuing students can apply for Allison Rose scholarships.

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Programmes

Intensive English Program: prepares students for academic study at a US university.

Eight levels, from beginner to advanced, set by a placement test
21 hours of class a week, Monday to Friday
Courses of 6 to 11 weeks, year-round
Pre-academic coursework and TOEFL/IELTS preparation

The International Gateway Program is a foundation year of academic and English courses with conditional admission to a Drexel undergraduate major. UPrep offers provisional undergraduate admission for pre-admitted Drexel students.

Graduate programmes

The ELC runs Drexel University Graduate Preparation (Grad Prep), a provisional graduate admissions programme for students already pre-admitted to Drexel. Its Admissions Process Support Program (ELCAPS) also guides students through applying to US colleges and universities, including test preparation and essay writing.

Admission

Intensive English Program: applicants must be at least 18 when their term begins, must have health insurance (bought from the ELC or their own adequate plan) and must hold a visa category that allows study in the United States. No TOEFL or IELTS score is required. Admission to the ELC does not guarantee admission to Drexel University.

International Gateway Program: applicants must be academically qualified for their chosen Drexel major, name a first- and second-choice major and submit English test scores.

Language requirements

The Intensive English Program does not require TOEFL or IELTS scores; all students take a placement test. For the International Gateway Program, examples of accepted scores are:

Fall entry: TOEFL 53-78+, IELTS 5.0-6.0+, PTE 41-53+, Duolingo 80+
Winter/spring entry: TOEFL 62+, IELTS 5.5+, PTE 44+, Duolingo 90+

Students with higher scores should apply directly to Drexel University; those with lower scores can join the Intensive English Program.

Fees

$7,100 for a full term (11 weeks). Includes tuition ($3,125); estimated living expenses ($3600 for housing, food, books, health Insurance, and personal expenses); application fee ($75); and health insurance ($300).

Duration

Intensive English Program courses last 6 or 11 weeks and run year-round. The International Gateway Program is a one-year foundation programme, starting in September (fall), January (winter) or March/April (spring); on completion students transfer into their Drexel major.

Scholarships and financial aid

Allison Rose Fellowships - Scholarships awarded each term to two or three continuing full-time students. Allison Rose Fellows receive tuition remission of $1000 in exchange for office work at the ELC during the term.

Housing

Drexel World House (on campus) has shared rooms & baths plus kitchen, lounge, & laundry facilities; International House, a private residence near campus, offers single rooms with shared baths & kitchens; family homestays in nearby neighborhoods provide private rooms, breakfasts and three family style dinners a week.

Services and activities

Access to Drexel University facilities - Library, gym & athletic facilities, computer labs, & language labs. Weekly activities program - historic sites, cultural events, shopping, sports events, recreational activities. Conversation Network - An opportunity to meet and talk with American students.

Accreditation

Commission on English Language Program, Accreditation (CEA), 4/02 - 4/07; member, University & College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) and American Association of Intensive English.> programs (AAIEP)

Subjects taught

Philology, Languages, Literature
- Language Courses
- Language Courses and Cultural Immersion Programs
- English Language and Literature (in Language Schools)