Designed to prepare students for a comprehensive understanding of the English language, our program is accredited by leading national and international English as a second language agencies.
Many students enter the IEP to gain the necessary language level to successfully complete an academic program at WVU, while others join to simply better their conversation abilities. With leveled curriculum, students of any ability can manage to achieve incredible improvements in their speaking, reading and writing abilities.
Students come to IEP to learn English and become accustomed to life in the United States. While the process is not always easy, students learn many things about themselves and others that will help them succeed in life.
As an IEP student, you will receive help with all aspects of living in Morgantown, West Virginia. Services include assistance with housing, banking, academic and personal counseling, healthcare and legal matters. In addition, you will have access to most University facilities and entertainment.
Apply as a new IEP student. Register returning IEP student. Learn more about applying.Curriculum
Students at all levels of the program follow a core curriculum of Communication Skills, Reading, Writing, Grammar, Vocabulary and Independent Study courses. In addition, students attend several elective courses, such as Professional English, American Culture, and Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics.
The goals of the curriculum include:
- Providing instruction and training in the English language
- Familiarizing international students with the educational methods of higher education institutions in the United States.
Program Description
Full-time students in the Intensive English Program attend classes for a minimum
of 21 hours per week. During the fall and spring semesters, students follow the
regular university calendar and schedule of Monday, Wednesday and Friday classes
of 50 minutes and Tuesday and Thursday classes of 75 minutes each.
Students who are placed at the lowest level (IEP Prep) upon enrollment and who
make satisfactory progress throughout their course of study each semester typically
complete the program within 5 semesters. However, most new students are placed
at higher levels (usually IEP 2 or 3) and some of them are placed at our highest
level, IEP 4, from the start. Therefore, most students who make satisfactory progress
throughout their course of study complete the program within one year, on average.
Progression
Student progression from one level of the IEP to the next level at end of semester
requires a minimum GPA of 3.0. Students who do not achieve an average of
3.0 in all courses will be required to repeat their current level in the IEP the
following semester.
Student progression from Level 4 IEP to the AMP-ESL-2 path at WVU requires a minimum
GPA of 3.0 at end of Level 4 semester. Students in the IEP may not progress
to a higher AMP ESL path or to full university study without the requisite test
scores.
Extracurricular Activities
In addition to learning English in the classroom, students are encouraged, to participate in extra-curricular activities arranged by the activities coordinator in the IEP. In the fall and spring semesters, a Conversation Partner Program matches up IEP students with native speakers for one-on-one conversation, and students can attend the Conversation Table to participate in group conversations. English Challenge group allows students to choose their own reading, set their own goals and meet their own challenges. In addition, there are regular outings to restaurants, shopping and local attractions.