Learning the English Language and Culture
SIUE invites you to join our Intensive English Pathway (IEP), bringing English language learners from around the world to study in our courses. The IEP is an engaging pathway program designed for international students who do not yet meet English language proficiency requirements. Depending on their English placement, students have the benefit of studying in either an all-English Intensive English Program or in select Intensive English Pathway classes while taking credit-bearing degree courses. Classes focus on listening and speaking, reading and writing, grammar, and vocabulary skills.
Classes engage students via fun and personalized lessons, academic discussions, lively presentations, role play, and practical language exercises, all with the benefits of interacting with American instructors and an exciting campus community and campus life at SIUE. All classes apply university skills to students’ learning so that they learn about American academic culture and complete the program ready for success.
IEP students can access all the advantages of being an SIUE student, such as living in our beautiful on-campus housing, using our large fitness center, and participaing in SIUE's many student sports or interests clubs. Our campus is only 20 miles (32 kilometers) away from St. Louis, Missouri, and located in the heart of Edwardsville, Illinois, voted as one of the safest towns to live in within the United States. For weekend getaways, we are 450 kilometers from Chicago, Illinois; 500 kilometers from Nashville, Tennessee; and 400 kilometers from Kansas City, Missouri.
An additional great resource is the International Hospitality Program, which is a friendship program, and pairs each international student with an American family. The IEP staff and International Student & Scholar Services team are always available and happy to assist international students as they transition to life on campus and within our community.
Reasons to study in SIUE’s IEP
- Earn your degree credits while building your academic English skills
- Learn about America’s style of academic culture
- Benefit from low-cost tuition but high-quality instruction from highly experienced and professional American instructors
- Receive full access to SIUE’s facilities
- Engage with the welcoming SIUE community through clubs, events and new friends
- Explore St. Louis and the surrounding community through group field trips
We would love to answer any questions you may have. For more information, please explore this website and contact the Office of International Admissions at intladm@siue.edu to learn more and apply for the program.
Student Testimonials
Shihao Zhai, IEP
“IEP is just like a bridge. It helps me learn more about American culture and American learning, making me stronger and more confident.”
Qingchao Zhang, IEP
“IEP makes English easier to learn, and I’m glad and excited to see my progress in English.”
