The English Language Program offers an intensive university-preparation language program for nonnative speakers of English and serves international students, U.S. citizens, permanent residents and refugees.

Core courses are offered at 10 levels of instruction – beginning through advanced – in five eight-week sessions per year. Core courses include: writing and grammar, reading and vocabulary, listening, speaking and pronunciation. Additional elective courses in American language and culture, as well as extracurricular learning opportunities, such as conversation partners and cultural/educational activities, are available to students.

Admission to the ELP may be recommended by the VCU Office of Undergraduate Admissions and International Admissions Office at the time of the application review. Students who want only English-as-a
-second-language courses may apply directly to the program.

Placement in the ELP is based on the results of the English Language Placement Examination, a three-hour test in four parts: listening, reading, writing and an oral interview. Students receive their test results by meeting individually with an adviser, who makes recommendations, answers questions and registers students in the appropriate ELP course(s).

More information

For more information, students may contact the English Language Program Office in Room 209 at 916 W. Franklin St.; by phone at (804) 828-2551; by fax at (804) 828-2552 or by e-mail at oie-elp@vcu.edu.