Intensive English Program
Improve Your English Fluency
Welcome to the English Language Institute! Charleston Southern University’s Intensive English Program is the only SEVP-certified Intensive English Program in the Lowcountry. Our program is uniquely designed to prepare students for the academic environment at Charleston Southern University. We serve students from around the world and are ready to help you with the U.S. student visa process. Students who do not require an F-1 visa may participate in the same intensive English program classes with a more flexible schedule that requires fewer class days and hours each week.
The Intensive English Program at CSU is a course designed to enhance English language proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and listening. The program uses nationally recognized academic English textbooks to facilitate an increase in vocabulary, improvement in grammar, and ease in expressing thoughts and ideas. Within a friendly and engaging classroom environment, students will gain confidence in their language ability that they can take into the next chapters of their lives.
After completion of the highest level, students will be ready to pursue a university degree at CSU or elsewhere or jump right into the career of their choice in an English-speaking country. Students interested in pursuing degree programs at Charleston Southern University may apply to our undergraduate and graduate programs without English language proficiency scores. Please see the Conditional Acceptance section below for more information.
CSU’s IEP includes:
- Receive 18 hours of instruction per week
- Learn from native English-speaking instructors
- Study in a supportive, small-class environment
- Choose between flexible 2-day and 4-day course options
- Select Intermediate or Advanced levels based on your English-language needs
Apply to IEP
If you are only applying to the Intensive English Program, begin your application through CSU’s Application Management portal. On the admission data page select “I plan to be a non-degree seeking student” and choose “Intensive English Program” for the degree type. Applicants should also submit a copy of their passport and English proficiency test score as part of the application process.
The Director of International Student Services will facilitate additional documentation for enrollment and the I-20 for an F-1 student visa for interested students.
Admissions
Admission Requirements
- Applicants must be at least 18 years old.
- To ensure that students have the English level necessary to be successful in our program, applicants must submit an English proficiency score.
- CSU will accept the following minimum scores from any one of these English proficiency exams for entrance into the Intensive English Program.
- TOEFL iBT (Test of English as a Foreign Language): minimum score of 45
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): minimum score of 4.0
Duolingo English Test: minimum score of 60 - SAT, ACT, and GRE test scores are not required for admission into the IEP.
Conditional Acceptance
Students who are interested in pursuing degrees at Charleston Southern University and who meet all admission requirements for the degree program, except for the English language proficiency requirements, may be granted conditional acceptance pending the successful completion of the Intensive English Program. Students can apply for conditional acceptance for undergraduate or graduate programs.
Apply for Conditional Acceptance
- International students applying to an online undergraduate or graduate program can apply through CSU’s online application.
- Students who are offered and accept conditional admission and are eligible to live in CSU residence halls may live on campus, space permitting.
Documentation
The Director of International Student Services will assist with the documentation needed for admission and an F1 student visa (if applicable). Students in the Intensive English Program are eligible for F1 visa issuance and change of status. Learn more about applying for an F1 student visa.
Intensive English Program Schedule
- Classes are offered Monday through Thursday evenings.
- Fall semester classes are offered from August through December, and Spring semester classes are offered from January through May.
Intensive 4-Day Program Weekly Schedule
| Day of the Week | 4:30 – 6:00 p.m. Academic English* | 6:00 – 9:00 p.m. Core Courses* |
|---|---|---|
| Monday | Academic English F1 | Reading & Writing |
| Tuesday | Academic English F1 | Listening & Speaking |
| Wednesday | Academic English F1 | Reading & Writing |
| Thursday | Academic English F1 | Listening & Speaking |
*Academic English (4:30–6:00 p.m.) Academic English sections are available to all students who choose the 4-day option. Instruction will focus on building academic vocabulary necessary for successful study at a university. Academic English is required for F1 visa holders in compliance with federal regulations requiring 18 hours of instruction. This course may either be online or on campus as long as the course does not conflict with the ELI instructional times.
*Core Courses (6:00–9:00 p.m.) These courses are designed for academic and general English students. The courses build language proficiency alongside critical thinking and academic skills, using authentic, engaging content to prepare students for the demands of university study and careers in the United States.