Global Education
- International Admissions
- Intensive English Program (IEP)
- International Orientation
- English Language Support

Intensive English Program

Intensive English Program (IEP)

The Intensive English Program (IEP) is a three-semester program that develops the English proficiency necessary for students to enter an undergraduate or graduate degree program of study. During the program, students will study academic English (reading, writing, grammar, listening, and speaking). Additionally, students will complete courses in research skills, critical thinking, study skills, and programs designed for immersion into U.S. culture. Upon completion of the IEP, students can enroll in one of many distinctive degree options and specializations.

The Intensive English Program (IEP) prepares international students for the academic demands of studying in an American university. In addition to an academic purpose, the IEP is designed for students who want to improve their English proficiency for business communication, careers, and culture.

international_students

IEP Features:

English as a second language (ESL) classes
Reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and research skills with emphasis on college preparation
Preparation for TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Intensive class work focuses on English language skills, as well as practical information for living and studying in the United States

IEP Additional Information:

Students spend 24 hours each week in class plus 6 hours of tutoring and student development.
All students take a placement test prior to starting classes
Small class sizes to facilitate learning
A Certificate of Completion is awarded to qualifying students
Students can complete the Intensive English program in 1, 2, or 3 semesters depending on the results of their placement exam.
Our IEP instructors understand the academic needs of our students and are supportive of student success
Marywood’s IEP is a member of the American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP)

Cost and Options

Financial aid is not available for students studying in the IEP program at Marywood. When applying to the IEP program, a Certification of Finances form must accompany the IEP application and include a bank statement showing proof of sufficient funds. The level of assured financial support for full time study in Marywood's Intensive English Program must total a minimum of $27,500 USD for the Spring and Fall Semesters. A student who wishes to study during the summer semester must certify an additional $12,800 USD.

Estimated expenses are based on 24 hours per week of instructional time for the academic year. The summer semester is outlined in the second column.

Academic Costs: 2024-2025 Academic Year

	Fall+Spring	Summer	12 Month
Tuition	14,000	6,000	20,000
Living	9,000	4,500	13,500
Books, Supplies, Insurance	3,500*	800**	3,500
Total	$26,500	$11,300	$37,000

*One Year (8/16/2024-8/15/2025)
**Summer Only (5/20/24-8/15/24)

IEP Structure and Program Design

IEP Structures

During the program, students will study academic English (reading, writing, grammar, listening, and speaking). Additionally, students will complete courses in research skills, critical thinking, study skills, and programs designed for immersion into U.S. culture. Upon completion of the IEP, students can enroll in one of many distinctive degree options and specializations.

All students will take an English proficiency exam and be placed in the appropriate level based on their scores.

The program is structured into three levels: level 1 (Beginning), level 2 (Intermediate), and level 3 (Advanced). Each level is 16 weeks during the fall or spring semester. The summer semester is 10 weeks with more contact time each week. Students will be assessed every four weeks to ensure they are making adequate progress. The first assessment and progress monitoring will be in week 4, followed by our mid-term exams, a 3rd quarter progress check, and the final exam at the end of the semester.

Program Design

The IEP calendar is aligned with Marywood’s academic schedule for the fall and spring semesters.

Based on placement results, students will enter one of the following levels:

Students who test into the (Beginning level) will take approximately 3 semesters to matriculate
Students who test into the (Intermediate level) will take approximately 2 semesters to matriculate
Students who test into the (Advanced level) will take approximately 1 semester to matriculate

1ST SEMESTER Beginning Level

Reading and Writing I (16 weeks)

4-week assessment, midterm assessment, 3rd Quarter assessment, final exam

Listening and Speaking I (16weeks)

4-week assessment, midterm assessment, 3rd Quarter assessment, final exam

Grammar I (16 weeks)

4-week assessment, midterm assessment, 3rd Quarter assessment, final exam

US Culture and College Life (16 weeks)

Midterm and final exam

Academic English (placement test with remote monitoring or after arrival)

2ND SEMESTER Intermediate Level

Reading and Writing II (16 weeks)

4-week assessment, midterm assessment, 3rd Quarter assessment, final exam

Listening and Speaking II (16 weeks)

4-week assessment, mid-term assessment, 3rd Quarter assessment, final exam

Grammar II (16 weeks)

4-week assessment, midterm assessment, 3rd Quarter assessment, final exam

Language in Context and Study Skills (16 weeks)

Midterm and final exam

Academic English (placement test with remote monitoring or after arrival)

3RD SEMESTER Advanced Level

Reading and Writing III (16 weeks)

4-week assessment, midterm assessment, 3rd Quarter assessment, final exam

Listening and Speaking III (16 weeks)

4-week assessment, midterm assessment, 3rd Quarter assessment, final exam

Research Skills (16 weeks)

4-week assessment, midterm assessment, 3rd Quarter assessment, final presentation

Critical Thinking (16 weeks)

Midterm and final exam

Academic English (placement test with remote monitoring or after arrival)

FAQs

Do I need to pay an application fee?

There is no application fee for the Intensive English Program (IEP).

Do I need to take an English proficiency test before starting the Intensive English Program?

You do not need to take an English proficiency test to apply to the Intensive English Program. If you have already taken an English proficiency test; for example, the TOEFL or IELTS, you may provide these scores with your application.

What is a certification of finances?

The Certification of Finances is a document stating that you have sufficient funds available to cover the cost of your tuition, living, books, and other expenses. If you will be accompanied by family members, the certification of finances should show enough funds to cover their living expenses as well. In addition, you must provide a copy of your bank statement showing at least the amount written on your certificate of finances form.

What documents are needed to apply?

In order to apply to the Intensive English Program, you will need to submit the following documents:

Completed and signed application form
Financial certification documentation, in English
A bank statement dated within the last 60 days
Copy of your current passport, showing your name and date of birth
English proficiency test scores, such as TOEFL/IELTS etc. (optional for IEP)
Academic transcripts

What happens after I have completed my application?

When the Admission Counselor receives your completed application and you have submitted the required documents, you will receive a message informing you of the next step in the process from your Admission Counselor. Once everything has been verified, a request for an I-20 will be sent to a Designated School Official, who will create your I-20.

What is the deadline to apply?

The deadlines for application are as follow:

Fall/August - June 1
Spring/January - November 1
Summer - March 1

These are our preferred deadlines for applying to the IEP; if you happen to miss the deadline, you may contact the International Admissions Office to see if your application can be accepted after the date stated. It is best to get your application and documents in early so they can be processed accordingly. This will give you more time to prepare for your visa appointment.

How do I reserve housing?

IEP students are not required to live on campus. If you would like to request campus housing, your Admissions Counselor or Student Service Coordinator will help you submit your request. Housing in the student residences fills quickly. Reservations are processed for applicants who submit their requests, along with their deposit, in the order in which they are received.

We will also provide you with a list of nearby apartments and other rental property that you may contact to arrange off-campus housing.

How do I make payments?

You will be able to make payments in your student portal once you have completed an application and have been accepted. All fees, deposits, and tuition must be paid in $US dollars. You may pay fees and deposits online. Tuition may also be paid by using a credit card, check, or wire transfer of the funds. Sponsored students must provide an updated letter of financial guarantee from their sponsor.

When do sessions start?

There are three start dates throughout the year in the months of August, January, and June. Please see the program calendar for the upcoming start date.

Intensive English Program Academic Calendar

When	Event	Location
Fall 2025 Semester
Monday, September 1, 2025	Labor Day: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed Labor Day: No Classes, All Administrative Offices Closed Date/Time: Monday, September 1, 2025 Location: Academic Dates No Classes... All Administrative Offices Closed-Labor Day Email Reminder	Academic Dates