Why Study English With Us?
The Intensive English Program provides English courses to learners with diverse goals and needs. Through full-time concentration on their English classes, students develop their cognitive and academic language skills. Their English skills help them to succeed in higher studies at EMU or other American universities or advance in their careers.
Our English courses provide a chance for life-changing cross-cultural encounters leading to sustained intercultural learning. Besides interacting with other IEP students from around the world, our students also learn with American students at EMU. Through our LILAC program, IEP classes partner with EMU undergraduate classes to take part in lively intercultural learning across the campus. Learn more about LILAC
Through our summer programs, we provide short- and longer-term study-abroad experiences for internationals who want to study English in an English-speaking cultural context and develop their intercultural communication skills.
Many places in our world are torn apart because of cultural, national, or religious differences. Here at the Intensive English Program, we celebrate our diversity and work at communicating in ways that increase understanding and reduce suspicion and hostility. We share laughter, languages, and food with each other. We welcome strangers and make them feel at home.
What kind of English courses are offered?
• 20 hours per week of English classes in the basic language skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing and grammar; find out more about our courses here.
• Students receive individual attention in small English classes (6 to 12 students) and through one-on-one and small group tutoring
• Three full-time levels: Basic, Intermediate, and Advanced levels; students are placed in appropriate levels with our own placement tests; no TOEFL score is required.
• Video & audio equipment and a computer lab help students improve pronunciation, listening comprehension, reading, research, and written communication skills
• By completing the intermediate and advanced levels, students who enroll at EMU for an undergraduate degree may receive up to 15 semester hours of credit
• Students can move on to undergraduate studies at Eastern Mennonite University and James Madison University based solely on the recommendation of IEP— with no TOEFL score required.
The Intensive English Program was established in 1989. EMU was founded by the Mennonite Church in 1917.
Who studies at the Intensive English Program?
EMU is a small Christian liberal arts college dedicated to Anabaptist and Mennonite values of peacebuilding and service. Our 1600 students study in EMU’s undergraduate programs with 50 different majors (BA and BS) and five different graduate programs leading to Masters degrees.
25 to 40 students study in Intensive English Program courses each session, representing 15 to 20 different countries
Our students come from three of the world's largest faith groups--Buddhists, Muslims, and Christians
Where do the IEP students live?
Some of our students live in the dormitories with an American roommate, eat their meals in the cafeteria and participate in other campus activities; older students live in university or private housing near campus, and some are immigrants who have settled in Harrisonburg.
What do the IEP students do when they finish their English course?
After completing IEP, our students enter universities, seminaries and community colleges in the United States; our immigrant students get better jobs here and some students return to their home countries to pursue a career that makes use of their improved English skills.
Who teaches at the IEP?
The IEP staff consists of a director, office coordinator, and several teachers with master’s degrees in TESOL, applied linguistics, English, or education; most IEP teachers have international teaching experience; some part-time instructors have bachelor’s degrees with TESOL certification and strong teaching experience.
IEP teachers strive to meet the standards set forth by Teachers of English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) and follow the best practices in ESL teaching; EMU is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
EMU's Director of International Student Services helps with visas, transportation, holiday options, orientation to EMU and Harrisonburg, health care issues, personal matters, etc. The director also arranges friendship families and plans social activities and excursions for all EMU international students.
Where is the Intensive English Program?
EMU is located in the beautiful Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. The hillside campus -- safe, quiet, and clean -- is at the edge of the small city of Harrisonburg. Nearby are historical sites, a ski resort and Shenandoah National Park with its famous Skyline Drive. EMU is two hours by car from Washington, D.C.
How do I get to the IEP?
If you fly into Dulles International Airport in Washington or Charlottesville-Albemarle Airport, we provide pick-up service for a fee. If you fly into Shenandoah Valley Regional Airport near Harrisonburg, we will pick you up at no extra cost.
What will I do when I’m not in my English classes?
Do you enjoy nature, hiking, canoeing, camping, and other outdoor activities? You can join other IEP students in adventures like these in our close-by national park and forests! If you enjoy history and culture, then we can take you to Thomas Jefferson’s Monitcello, Civil War battlefields, and the majestic monuments and museums of Washington, D.C.
If you would rather stick close to campus, there are many activities at EMU and in Harrisonburg. Concerts, recitals, special lectures, famous authors, sporting events, and art exhibits—you can experience all of these right on our campus. IEP students may participate in EMU's choirs, orchestra, jazz band, and intramural sports programs.
Where will my English classes be?
The IEP house is a nine-room building on campus. It is comfortable and bright. You may prepare meals and refreshments in the kitchen. Videos, computers and other audio-visual equipment are used regularly in instruction and available for student use, as well as high-speed wireless internet access for those students with laptops.
What is new at the Intensive English Program?
You can see the latest news about our program and get to know our current students by reading the IEP Times, a monthly publication compiled of articles written by current IEP students.
How can I apply for English courses?
We welcome applications for our regular semester programs (fall, spring & summer) from high school and college graduates. You must be at least 18 years old to enter IEP—except for high school students who enroll in the summer sessions. You’ll find our application materials here.
Please write us if you have questions: iep@emu.edu
