The English Language Institute (ELI) of Pace University offers English Language instruction for non-native speakers at the New York City and Westchester campuses. The Institute is dedicated to helping international students, visiting professionals, tourists, au pairs, and recent immigrants to improve their English skills for academic study, career advancement, or personal enrichment. ELI students receive Pace University ID cards and have access to facilities and services on all Pace campuses including the libraries, computer labs, recreational and sports facilities, theaters, cafeterias, and health clinics.
ELI courses are offered year-round with seven entry dates: September, November, January, February, March, June, and July. There are two seven-week terms in the spring and fall, and a three-week winter term in January. In the summer there are two six-week terms. U.S. residents may choose to enroll full-time or part-time, but foreign visitors must enroll part-time (4 to 16 hours per week). Students holding F-1 visas must enroll full-time (at least 18 hours per week).
ADMISSION
The English Language Institute courses are open to any student who is at least 16 years old. TOEFL or other language proficiency exam scores are not required. The English Language Institute is authorized to issue the I-20 document for full-time, intensive English study (18 or more hours per week).
Admission to the English Language Institute does not constitute admission to Pace University. Each undergraduate and graduate degree program has its own admission requirements. However, academically qualified students who successfully complete the Pre-Academic Program, Pre-Undergraduate Program or Pre-Graduate Programs* are eligible for a language proficiency exam waiver for admission to undergraduate and graduate degree programs at Pace University. Other tests like GMAT and GRE may be required depending on School admissions requirements. For more information, contact the Admission Offices.
*Two levels of pre-graduate programming required for students applying to Lubin and Dyson.
For more information, contact the English Language Institute at (212) 346-1562 or eli@pace.edu, or visit the ELI webpage.
COURSES
Noncredit courses are offered from high beginner to advanced proficiency levels. In programs where multiple levels are available, ELI students take a placement test to determine their proficiency level. Once placed in a level, students select courses according to their goals and interests.
Students may select between three tracks: the Intensive English Program, the Pre-Undergraduate Program, or the Pre-Graduate Program. The Intensive English Program is for students studying English for general purposes. High beginner to high intermediate level students may take courses in grammar, writing, reading, speaking and listening. Grammar and vocabulary are taught in context in all courses, and class discussion is strongly encouraged. All classes emphasize American culture and use materials from a wide variety of sources including popular media.
The Pre-Undergraduate Program and the Pre-Graduate Program are designed for degree-seeking students who plan to study at Pace or another American university. The curriculum is content-based, emphasizing academic language and skills students need to succeed in an American university.
Students increase their fluency in English by studying various academic topics using authentic reading material (textbook chapters, essays, and literature) and recorded lectures. They learn research skills, write academic papers, practice note-taking, practice test-taking strategies, and produce academic presentations. TOEFL preparation courses (for non-native speakers) are also offered.
Advanced-level students may be allowed to take one or two undergraduate courses in addition to their ELI courses if they are academically qualified. These credits can be applied to a degree program if a student matriculates.
English for Lawyers combines intensive legal English instruction and learning beyond the classroom through guest speakers. Guest speakers come from diverse backgrounds and include attorneys, judges, advocacy groups, government officials, and judges. The English for Lawyers program is a 4-week summer intensive course.
ELI course sections are letter graded. Grades are recorded in the University’s student records, and official transcripts can be obtained online via the National Student Clearinghouse website or through MyHub. Certificates of completion are available upon request.
INTERNATIONAL SPECIAL PROGRAMS
The English Language Institute also designs special programs for high school, university students, corporate clients, and other visiting groups who do not wish to enroll in the regularly scheduled classes. Courses are tailored to meet the academic requirements of a group. Short-term programs are designed to include on-campus or off-campus housing and cultural activities. For more information, contact the International Special Programs at (212) 346-1562 or isp@pace.edu, or visit the international special programs webpage.