Learn, Connect, and Prepare for Academic Success
Join our dynamic 8-week Intensive English Program and take your English to the next level. Our university-based program will help you reach your goals!
Program Overview
8 weeks per level (5 terms per year)
Daily classes 20+ hours a week
Beginning, Intermediate, Advanced
Tuition & Fees →
Apply now
Student Life
Students participate in social, cultural, and educational activities including luncheons, celebrations, and field trips.
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- Field Trip to the Sunflower Fields
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- Lunch Break!
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- Ice Cream Social
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- Speaking Class Goes to the Farmer’s Market
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- Smoky Mountains National Park Field Trip
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- ELI poster presentation at the annual CGE Summit
Sample Daily Schedule
Full-time students begin classes at 9:00 a.m. and end around 2:00 p.m. Weekly schedule may vary based on enrollment and classroom availability.
| TIME | CLASS |
|---|---|
| 9:00-9:50am | Reading |
| 10:00-10:50am | Writing |
| 11:00-11:50am | Listening & Speaking |
| 12:45-1:35pm | Grammar |
| 1:45-2:30pm | Elective (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS/DET prep, pronunciation) |
The full academic calendar (orientation and class dates) can be found under Student Resources.
Learn more about our curriculum here: English Language Institute Curriculum PDF
UTK Conditional Admission
International students who meet all admission requirements except English proficiency may be admitted to UT with conditional admission. If students are conditionally admitted to UT for English proficiency, students first enroll in the ELI to develop academic English skills. Degree programs begin once the required proficiency is achieved as demonstrated on an English proficiency exam or upon successful completion of ELI’s High Advanced level.
English Proficiency Test Waiver
This pathway is for international students seeking admission to Tennessee universities and colleges. Students who successfully complete the high advanced level at ELI receive an English proficiency test waiver for these institutions.
Participating Institutions:
Ready to join us? Here are your next steps:
- Complete the application form and pay the $100 application fee at least 60 days before the intended term start date.
- Pay the $250 deposit to reserve your place at the ELI.
- Immigration document submission at least 45 days before term starts. (F-1 students only)
- Attend your visa appointment at least 15 days before term starts (F-1 students only)
- Arrive in Knoxville 1-2 days prior to orientation.
- Orientation Day at the English Language Institute: Welcome to Knoxville!
We cannot guarantee your application will be processed if the timeline above is not followed.
Apply now
Questions?
Email us! eli@utk.edu