Intensive English Program

The English Language Center's rigorous full-time Intensive English Program is designed for students who want to develop the academic English proficiency necessary to succeed in ODU's undergraduate and graduate programs. The ELC follows the university's academic calendar, offering three start dates: Spring (January-May), Summer (May-August), and Fall (August to December).Class sizes average between 12 and 15 students. Upon entering the program, students complete a placement test and are assigned to the appropriate level of English instruction based on their score. Each week full-time students will spend twenty hours in class studying courses across skill areas depending on both level placement and enrollment. Courses offered in a typical semester include Listening and Speaking, Critical Reading, Writing from Sources, Writing Studio, Public Speaking, Pronunciation, and University 101. Topics in Digital Literacy and Topics in English for Academic Purposes are offered semesterly based on student need and interest.