Learn English in an immersive and in-person environment on the University of Arizona Main Campus in Tucson, Arizona.
Our Intensive English classes prepare students for future academic or professional use of English. The program features a skills-based curriculum in which the students learn and improve their English language abilities by focusing on reading, writing, listening, speaking, and grammar.
Ready to Apply?
Students receive a full time, in-classroom schedule for the following courses, each lasting a minimum of one hour:
- Written Communication (6.67 hours/week)
- Oral Communication (5.33 hours/week)
- Reading Skills (5.33 hours/week)
- Grammar (4 hours/week)
Each session is eight weeks long and the classes are scheduled between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM from Mondays to Fridays. Students spend one or two sessions at one level, progression is dependent on the individual.
All of the levels in the Intensive English are aligned with the Common European Framework of Reference for language proficiency (CEFR). All new IEP students take an initial placement test to determine which level the student will begin.
Note: If your planned travel dates do not match our calendar, please contact us at cesl@arizona.edu to ask about flexible start or end dates.
Sample Daily Schedule
Speaking
Intermediate
9am-10am
Writing
Intermediate
10:10am-11:30am
Grammar
Intermediate
1pm-2pm
Reading
Intermediate
2:10pm-3:30pm
Admission Requirements
In order to enroll in the Intensive English program, applications must meet the following requirements:
- Must be at least 18, or 17 and a high school graduate
- Be literate in their first language
- Non U.S. citizens or U.S. permanent residents will require an F1 visa to attend this on-campus program
- To issue the I-20 for visa processing, please review the financial guarantee requirements
Program Costs
- Initial application fee (non-refundable): $120
- Tuition and fees for each 8 week session: $3,710
Students will need have additional $250 available for purchasing class materials.
| Session Costs (8 week session) | |
|---|---|
| Tuition | $2800 |
| Student Services Fee | $300 |
| Technology Fee | $230 |
| Mandatory Campus Health Fee | $190 |
| Mandatory Student Health Insurance Fee | $190 |
| Total Payable to CESL | $3710 |
Notice Your financial guarantee also needs to include cost of living expenses
- All courses are eight weeks long unless specified otherwise. Students in the full-time Intensive English Program (IEP) must take 2 integrated-skills core classes (Oral Communication and Written Communication) and 2 skills courses (Grammar and Reading Skills).
- Written Communication classes meet for 6.6 hours per week. Oral Communication and Reading classes meet for 5.3 hours per week. Grammar classes meet for 4 hours per week. Electives meet for 1 hour per week. Overall instructional time is approximately 22 hours per week.
- CESL students are placed by proficiency level into their courses. We try within the proficiency level to diversify the student groups by native language as much possible.
- CESL IEP classes are scheduled between the hours of 9:00 AM and 3:30 PM. Typically, full-time students will not be at CESL more than 7 hours in day, which includes breaks.
How will I know my level?
All new students in the Intensive English Program (IEP) take a placement test upon arrival to determine which level the student will begin.
How long will it take to finish my IEP studies?
This will depend on your English ability when you arrive at CESL. As an approximate guide (each person’s situation may be different), the following table shows placement and time to completion through IEP and U-Track, if completing all levels of CESL:
| Starting Level | Weeks/Sessions to completion |
|---|---|
Introduction to Academic English | 32-40 weeks (4-5 sessions) |
Academic English | 16-32 weeks (2-4 sessions) |
| University Track | 8-16 weeks (1-2 sessions) |
Additional details can be found in our Placement Table and our Progression Information document.
How long is each level?
8-16 weeks
Do I have to finish the IEP to enter the University of Arizona (UA)?
CESL recommends you finish the Intensive English and University Track Pathway (U-Track Pathway) programs before you begin UA studies. However, students who obtain an English proficiency exam score high enough for direct admission may begin their university study at the next available term.
Can I retest at CESL if I think my level is wrong or if I want to jump a level?
New CESL Students who take CESL’s placement test when they first arrive may ask to re-test if they think their level is incorrect. CESL administration will determine if the student’s first test result is close enough to another level to justify retesting, and will let the student know if a retest is possible. Students may not retest to move down a level.
Current CESL students who wish to progress through CESL’s levels more quickly may ask to retest at the beginning of a new session if their grades from the previous session are good. If the test result shows they can move up more than one level, CESL will let the student jump a level. Retesting is neither required nor does it guarantee a student will jump a level. Students who wish to jump from the IEP into the University Track Pathway should first contact CESL admissions as these are two separate CESL programs.
The fee for all retesting at CESL is $45
If I want to attend the University Track Pathway Program after the IEP, do I need a TOEFL or IELTS score?
No. You can enter the U-Track Pathway directly from the IEP with good grades.
Do you offer scholarships or financial aid to help with tuition?
Unfortunately, we do not offer any kind of scholarship or financial aid for our programs. Students may seek private sponsorship from their governments or other organizations.
What are the steps to apply for the F-1 Student Visa?
- Apply to the CESL Program
- When you are admitted to the CESL program, you will receive your I-20
- Pay your SEVIS fee
- Complete your visa application
- Schedule and attend your visa interview
Can I attend your program on a B1/B2 Visitor/Tourist visa?
Not in the full time program, but we do have part time options available for you.
Our Intensive English Program allows you to meet your goals in mastering the English language.