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ELI Online

Improve Your English Skills – Online!

Join our live online or self-paced English courses and start improving your skills today.

🌍 Available worldwide
🛂 No visa required
📜 Certificate upon completion

Virtual English Club

Practice English, meet new people, and connect with the University of Tennessee — from anywhere in the world.

zoom session with VEC PPT heading and the director smiling with a suit on

What it is: The ELI Virtual English Club is a free online conversation group where international students and English learners can practice speaking in a relaxed and friendly environment.

Activities include: Small group conversations, cultural discussions, games, and opportunities to meet students from around the world.

Who can join: English learners anywhere in the world who want to practice speaking and learn more about life in the United States.

Cost: Free

Location: Online via Zoom

When: Last Wednesday of every month- 1pm EDT

Status: Open to all English learners of all levels

RSVP for our next Virtual English Club

Synchronous Courses

Join live classes with our experienced instructors and interact with fellow students in real-time.

Professional Conversation Skills

Focus: Improve listening and speaking for professional settings. Practice active listening, understanding complex topics, and speaking clearly in discussions and presentations.

Schedule: Tuesdays 6-7:30pm EDT

Duration: Every Tuesday beginning June 23

Cost: First class is free! $175 10-class pass, $100 5-class pass, $25 per-class rate

Status: Open for enrollment (apply for Professional Conversation Skills)

This course is also offered in-person: Learn more about our in-person class

 

English for Business Communication

Focus: Gain confidence in business writing, workplace conversations, meetings, and customer service skills. Includes weekly live sessions, an e-textbook, online modules and an official VPET exam score.

Schedule: Tuesdays 6-7:30pm EDT

Term: Interested? Email us for upcoming start dates!

Duration:  8 weeks | Hours: 12 live hours

Cost: $450

Status: Open for enrollment (apply for English for Business Communication)

English Language Test Prep: TOEFL, IELTS, DET

Focus: Learn test strategies to improve your English proficiency exam scores.

Schedule: Tuesdays, 8-9 PM EDT

Term: July 8 –  August 12

Duration:  6 weeks | Hours: 6 live hours and 6 asynchronous hours.

Cost: $250

Status: Open for enrollment (apply for English Language Test Prep)

This course is also offered in person: Learn more about our in-person class

OPIc Speaking Test Prep

Focus: Prepare for the Oral Proficiency Interview by Computer through targeted spoken English practice, personalized feedback, and self-paced online modules.

Schedule: Offered year-round.

Term: Fall, Spring, and Summer

Duration: 4 Zoom sessions + 4 self-paced modules. Offered year-round.

Cost: $300 (non-UTK students)

Learn more about OPIc Prep

Self-Paced Courses

Learn anytime, anywhere. We also offer custom programming tailored to your institution’s professional development needs.

Orientation to American Culture

Focus:  Learn more about United States culture with the three modules shown below: Sports, Daily Life in the U.S. and Music.

Schedule: Self-paced

Hours: 6 hours

Cost: $150 (1-year access)

Status: Open for enrollment (enroll in Orientation to American Culture )

OAC: Sports Module

Focus:  Learn how American football, basketball, and other sports influence daily life and communication in the United States.

Schedule: Self-paced

Hours: 2 hours

Cost: $50 (1-year access)

Status: Open for enrollment (enroll in the OAC: Sports Module)

OAC: Daily Life in the United States

Focus:  Explore American society through four lessons: history and politics, education and employment, leisure activities, and food/dining.

Schedule: Self-paced

Hours: 2 hours

Cost: $50 (1-year access)

Status: Open for enrollment (enroll in OAC: Daily Life in the United States)

OAC: Music

Focus:  Journey through the foundational elements that shaped the musical identities of the United States.

Schedule: Self-paced

Hours: 2 hours

Cost: $50 (1-year access)

Status: Open for enrollment (enroll in OAC: Music)

Ready to start learning?
Follow this link to select your course and sign up today.

ENROLL IN ELI ONLINE

You will be forwarded to the University of Tennessee’s Canvas Catalogue page where you can enroll in the course you choose. No refunds are issued once a payment is processed. Please read the course and/or product description carefully before submitting payment.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Click on questions to view answers

What courses are available online?
We offer a variety of online courses, including English Language Test Prep, Business English, Orientation to American Culture, and OPIc preparation. Our courses are designed to fit different schedules and skill levels.

How do online courses work?
Our online classes combine live, instructor-led sessions with interactive materials and activities. Classes are held via video conferencing, and students can access additional resources, assignments, and recorded sessions through our online platform, Canvas Catalog.

What happens if fewer than 5 students enroll?
If fewer than 5 students enroll in a synchronous online course, the class will be postponed. Your application will remain valid and you will be notified via email when the course is set to begin.

What technology do I need to participate?
You’ll need a computer or mobile device with a reliable internet connection, a webcam, and a microphone. For the best experience, we recommend using Chrome or Firefox as your browser.

Are the classes self-paced or scheduled?
We have both options to fit your schedule! Many of our classes are scheduled, with set times for live instruction and interaction. This ensures you have the opportunity to engage with instructors and classmates. We also provide supplementary materials that you can work on at your own pace.

Do I get a certificate after completing the course?
Yes, upon successfully completing your course, you’ll receive a certificate of completion from the University of Tennessee’s English Language Institute.

Can I ask questions or get help during the class?
Absolutely! Our classes are interactive, allowing you to ask questions and participate in discussions. You can also reach out to instructors outside of class through email or office hours.

How do I enroll in an online class?
Click here to select the course you would like to enroll in.

What is the refund policy for online courses?
No refunds are issued once a payment is processed in Canvas Catalog. Please read the course and/or product description carefully before submitting payment.

Are there discounts available?
We occasionally offer discounts for early registration or group enrollments. Check our website or contact us for details on current promotions.