The Intensive English Program

The Intensive English Program at Rice is open to non-native speakers of English who have a serious desire to improve their language skills. Classes are small, with an average of ten students, and are offered at all levels, from beginning to advanced. Students from more than 100 countries have attended this program, which has been offered since 1978.

Types of Courses

The Intensive English Program at Rice offers a six-level core program that helps students build practical English skills for general, academic or professional purposes. Instruction in Levels 1-4 includes practical vocabulary, basic language structures and the essentials of reading, writing, listening and speaking. Conversational skills are developed in an interactive setting. In Levels 5-6, students continue to develop fluency and accuracy. Course work focuses on comprehensive skills and academic preparation skills. The Advanced Level is for students whose level of proficiency in English is beyond the six-level core program. Courses at this level focus on diverse areas of interest. Students may enroll in the Advanced Level more than one time with a different curriculum each time.

Schedule

Six seven-week sessions are held each year, beginning in January, March, May, July, September and November. Classes meet four hours daily, five days per week.

How to apply

Call, fax or email a request for an application. Telephone: (713) 348-4019, Fax: (713) 348-6131, or email: esl@rice.edu. Admission to the Intensive English Program does not constitute admission to any other unit of Rice University. Students will not receive academic credit for courses in this program.

Deadline for applications

Please see esl.rice.edu for deadline information.

Fee

Please see esl.rice.edu for current fees and tuition.

Requirements

Persons applying for admission to the Intensive English Program must have graduated from secondary school. All prospective students must submit a completed application along with the required deposit. The balance of tuition must be paid no later than the first day of class.

Housing

Students are responsible for making their own housing arrangements. Moderately priced facilities are generally available. Although the program does not provide housing or make housing arrangements, students may contact the Intensive English Program for a list of housing suggestions.

Rice University

Classes are held on the campus of Rice University, a small, private university known for its academic excellence and the achievements of its faculty, graduates and students. The language laboratory is available to Intensive English students, as are sporting events, exhibitions, concerts, films and lectures. Rice is located in the beautiful museum district of central Houston, near the Medical Center.

Houston, Texas

With a population of more than 5 million, Houston is the fourth largest city in the United States, located in the mild coastal climate near the Gulf of Mexico. A major international city, Houston boasts an international airport, museums, operas, festivals, theaters, concerts, sporting events, outstanding restaurants, shopping malls, one of the world's foremost medical centers, NASA's Johnson Space Center and many other attractions. The beaches of Galveston are less than an hour away.

Activities

Each session, students enjoy social activities and events such as picnics, talent shows, bowling and trips to the circus, rodeo, baseball games, movies, Galveston and the Space Center.