Welcome to the English Language Institute

The English Language Institute (ELI) of Queens College (QC) is an academic program for learning English as a second language. Established in 1945, the ELI at QC is the oldest English language school in the City University of New York (CUNY) and one of the oldest in the entire United States.

For over 60 years, students have come from abroad and from the metropolitan area to learn English with us. The institute provides an intensive, well-rounded ESL program, providing a solid foundation for success. A great number of students go on to study at CUNY or at other colleges, universities, and professional schools across the United States.

Our Programs

Full-Time Day Program

All students take the ELI exam at the beginning of the semester to determine placement. The test is given again at the end of the spring and fall semesters. Students who pass the ELI exam with a certificate do NOT need a TOEFL score in order to apply to CUNY programs which require a minimum TOEFL score of 61.

After taking the placement exam, students are placed into one of 7 levels. All areas of English are covered including listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary development and pronunciation. Students who attend classes regularly and who successfully complete their assigned work will receive an official certificate at the end of each semester. In addition to assigned classes, students may choose from a number of free electives to enhance their learning.

Part-Time Evening Program

The evening program provides targeted English instruction and practice. Students can focus on either listening/speaking or reading/writing. Some students take both for a more intensive program of study. This program is offered during spring and fall semesters.

QC/ELI Path Program

Queens College is now offering an admission option for students who are academically eligible but do not meet the minimum English requirement. Undergradate transfer students and graduate applicants for specific degree programs are eligible for this program. Students accepted into this program will study intensive English at the ELI prior to full matriculation. For more information, visit our website.

Our Faculty

Our teachers are carefully selected on the basis of their professional training and experience. All ELI faculty have Master's Degrees in Applied Linguistics/Teaching English as a Second Language. Many have taught overseas. A number of our faculty have published ESL textbooks as well as texts on the theory and methodology of teaching English. Many of these books are used worldwide.

Housing

ELI students are welcome to apply to The Summit, an on-campus residence hall at Queens College. For alternative housing, students seek their own accommodations.

Queens College Campus & Student Life

Queens College is situated on a beautiful, 77-acre campus in Flushing, Queens, 10 miles outside Manhattan. Students enjoy a tranquil, park-like setting with all the resources of a major college, while just a bus ride away from New York City.

Often referred to as “the jewel of the CUNY system,” Queens College is a place of contrasts: An urban school in a suburban setting, where a large and diverse student body receives personalized attention. This formula has made us one of New York’s premier educational institutions. Our liberal arts, science, and pre-professional programs earn us high rankings in prestigious college guides such as The Princeton Review’s America’s Best Value Colleges, and our graduates have won prominence in nearly every field.

ELI students may audit Queens College courses, which offer students multiple opportunities to familiarize themselves with American classroom procedures while practicing listening and note-taking skills. Students are welcome to join any of the 100 clubs and organizations available on campus. For a nominal fee, students may use the college swimming pool, gymnasium, and tennis courts.

Class Schedule & Calendars

Fall Semester
(end of August or beginning of September to mid-December)
Day classes: 18 hours a week, 4 days a week
Night classes: 6-12 hours a week, 2-4 days a week

Spring Semesters
(end of January to mid-May)
Day classes: 18 hours a week, 4 days a week
Night classes: 6-12 hours a week, 2-4 days a week

Summer Session 1
(end of May to end of June)
24 hours a week, 4 days a week

Summer Session 2
(end of June to mid-August)
24 hours a week, 4 days a week

I-20 Application Deadline Dates

For students living outside of the United States who need an I-20, applications and all necessary documents should be submitted by the following dates:

Fall Semester: mid-July
Spring Semester: mid-Dec
Summer Session ONE: end of March
Summer Session TWO: end of April