The English Language Institute (ELI) at UNC Pembroke offers intensive English language
instruction, academic skills training and cultural orientation to international students
preparing for university study in the United States.
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ELI program includes
Key features of our ELI program include:
Small classes with individualized attention
Highly trained, caring instructors
20 hours of intensive instruction per week
Events and trips (beach, mountains, etc.)
Full access to UNCP facilities (gym, library, computer labs, dining hall, etc.)
Safest campus in the UNC System
Beautiful, small town setting in sunny, warm southeastern North Carolina. Less than
two hours from Charlotte, Raleigh-Durham, Wilmington and Myrtle Beach.
UNCP English Proficiency Admission Requirements:
Undergraduate programs - 68 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.0 on IELTS or 95 on Duolingo
Graduate programs - 79 on the TOEFL iBT or 6.5 on IELTS with a minimum score of 6.0
on each of the four bands or 105 on Duolingo) can apply to the ELI and matriculate
to academic classes upon successful completion of the program.
**NOW ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS FOR THE SPRING 2025 SEMESTER**
In order to begin the process, please click here to create an account to submit an application under "English Language Institute"
student type and specifically to the "ELI" (English Language Institute) program.
Once you gain admission to UNCP, you'll be issued an acceptance letter, and you'll
be able to upload required documents to your application portal, which are needed
to receive an I-20 for your student visa.
We recommend that you apply at least three months before the program start date. This
will ensure you have enough time to get your visa and make the necessary travel arrangements.
Priority application deadline is June 17 for the fall semester and November 11 for the spring semester. Applications received after the deadline will be considered
on a case-by-case basis according to program availability. Admission cannot be guaranteed.
Program Dates
Spring 2025: January 13, 2025-May 9, 2025
ELI Courses
The ELI curriculum consists of core courses that focus on developing reading, writing,
listening and speaking skills, an orientation course that introduces students to the
U.S. culture and academic life and a TOEFL preparation course that provides instruction
in test-taking strategies.
The reading component of this course prepares students for university-level reading
by developing reading comprehension, note-taking, critical-thinking and analytical
skills. Topics encompass many fields and genres to expose students to a broad scope
of vocabulary.
The writing component of this course focuses on developing the skills necessary for
academic writing, including prewriting, drafting, revision, collecting and citing
sources and peer review. Students also become familiar with different genres of writing,
including free writing, creative writing and journaling.
This course employs various listening materials, such as lectures, discussions, speeches,
films, music and video clips to help students enhance their listening comprehension,
note-taking and critical-thinking skills.
The speaking component of this course builds fluency, pronunciation and expression.
Students use new vocabulary and improve pronunciation through speaking tasks and drills.
The TOEFL Preparation course is designed to help students acquire the skills and confidence
necessary to get a high score on the TOEFL. The course explains the format of each
section of the TOEFL exam, offers specific test-taking strategies and strengthens
the main English language skills. Although the intent of the course is to enhance
students’ TOEFL scores, the material covered in class will fine-tune any student’s
English language skills so that they can succeed in the university classroom.
This course is designed to introduce students to American culture and to help them
develop the skills they need to succeed in an academic environment.
This course focuses on study skills necessary for success in a university setting.
Topics include note-taking strategies, reading and writing strategies, research skills
and stress management/test anxiety.
The reading component of this course prepares students for university-level reading
by developing reading comprehension, note-taking, critical-thinking and analytical
skills. Topics encompass many fields and genres to expose students to a broad scope
of vocabulary.
The writing component of this course focuses on developing the skills necessary for
academic writing, including prewriting, drafting, revision, collecting and citing
sources and peer review. Students also become familiar with different genres of writing,
including free writing, creative writing and journaling.
This course employs various listening materials, such as lectures, discussions, speeches,
films, music and video clips to help students enhance their listening comprehension,
note-taking and critical-thinking skills.
The speaking component of this course builds fluency, pronunciation and expression.
Students use new vocabulary and improve pronunciation through speaking tasks and drills.
The TOEFL Preparation course is designed to help students acquire the skills and confidence
necessary to get a high score on the TOEFL. The course explains the format of each
section of the TOEFL exam, offers specific test-taking strategies and strengthens
the main English language skills. Although the intent of the course is to enhance
students’ TOEFL scores, the material covered in class will fine-tune any student’s
English language skills so that they can succeed in the university classroom.
This course is designed to introduce students to American culture and to help them
develop the skills they need to succeed in an academic environment.
This course focuses on study skills necessary for success in a university setting.
Topics include note-taking strategies, reading and writing strategies, research skills
and stress management/test anxiety.
Trips and Activities
ELI offers more than just English classes. The Office of Global Engagement offers
a wide range of social, cultural and recreational activities to help international
students connect with campus and explore the United States. On-campus activities include
visits to UNCP’s recreation center, international festivals, ping-pong tournaments
and formal and informal social gatherings. Off campus, we tour sites and cities in
North Carolina and the surrounding states, including trips to the beach, mountains
and amusement parks.