Programs Available
English Language Institute Programs
Academic English – Intensive
Our primary program of study. Prepare to study for an undergraduate or graduate degree at an American university. 20-25 hours per week.
General English – Semi-Intensive
Our General English classes will help you improve your speaking, grammar, and writing to help you enjoy life in Knoxville and East Tennessee. 15 hours a week. This program is not F1 visa eligible.
Saturday Business English
Saturday Business English classes are returning to ELI in the summer! New class in Speaking and Conversation, as well as Pronunciation of American English!
HOLA Lakeway of Morristown Intensive
Partnering with Hola Lakeway of Morristown, TN, ELI is offering a 1-month intensive suite of courses in Pronunciation, Grammar, and Writing for Business starting summer 2023!
OPIc Prepare – Practice – Perform
International UTK graduate students must pass the Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer test before they can qualify as graduate teaching assistants. Prepare for the OPIc Speaking test!
Details/Apply
Pronunciation Tutorials
Is your English pronunciation unclear or difficult for other people to understand? We offer 1:1 tutorials for University of Tennessee students and the general public. Each 8-week session costs $640.00 for two lessons a week covering the sounds, rhythm, stress patterns, linking, and other suprasegmental features of English pronunciation. Call 865-974-3404 or email eli@utk.edu.
Testimonials
Intensive Academic English
“It was a remarkable experience being at the English Language Institute. ELI was an incredible environment and society, and I’m sure it will last like that for ages. The teachers, volunteers, administrators, and students were like a big family which had no boundaries or hesitation in giving a hand.”
—Yousef Alamri on the Intensive Academic English Program
The English Language Institute has been and is still a wonderful experience for me. Everyone is warmly welcomed here and I can safely say that I have a family in the US now. The staff is very professional and earnest, really helpful, and kind. You feel included right from the moment you step inside. All cultures are celebrated and cheerfulness is the name of the game. ELI completely surpassed my expectations and has been one of the best student experiences I’ve ever had in my life. I could write a book about my really positive experience here.”
—Sekou Traore on the Intensive Academic English Program
General English Program
“Improving my English at ELI was a great experience. Learning to speak fluent English in an educational, friendly, and family environment is what I think makes all the difference at the Institute. The administration is very understanding, the teachers are flexible in adapting to any level and giving the best of themselves, and the cultural diversity brings a touch to the education of the English language.”
—Daisy Koffi on the General English Program
Special Programs – Friends Across the Sea
“I liked interacting with native students! They speak so fast and use some slang. So sometimes I couldn’t keep up with the conversation… But I could learn a lot from them! Thank you!”
Meet UT
UT is a place to learn and grow. We hope you’ll call it your “home sweet home.”