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Intensive English Program

Students sitting at desks in a classroom

This course series helps international students meet their personal, academic, and professional goals through intensive English language study. Our exceptional professors and state-of-the-art technology ensure a superior program of instruction.

Program description

The Intensive English Program is a multi-level academic preparation course designed to help international students make the transition to American academic life. 

The program offers five levels of study based upon students’ proficiency levels:

  • Beginner
  • High Beginner
  • Intermediate
  • High Intermediate
  • Advanced

Each tier can be completed in one semester. Students are placed into levels upon admission based upon their scores on standardized tests, many of which can be taken online.

Many of our students go on to study at a college or university in the United States at the undergraduate or graduate level. The Intensive English Program features an option for conditional admission to Virginia Tech’s distinctive undergraduate programs.  Many students preparing for AdvantageVT begin their studies in the Intensive English Program.

Our program provides classroom instruction in all language skill areas: Listening, Speaking, Reading, Writing and Pronunciation. We will also teach academic study skills to help students be successful at an American college or university, including test-taking and note-taking skills, critical reading and writing and research and library skills.