Intensive English

To apply, complete an application for enrollment now.

The UC Davis Extension Intensive English Program is one of the oldest and most respected international English programs in the University of California system. Thousands of students from around the world have studied in our various programs. This 10-week program is offered year-round—in fall, winter, spring and summer quarters—and includes a total of 220 hours of instruction at eight different levels of proficiency. It is ideal for those wanting to learn English for academic, professional or social purposes.

The Program

• eight levels—from beginning to advanced
• 20 hours of instruction per week
• small classes (approximately 12-20)
• two hours of MRC per week
• free TOEFL test every quarter
• highly qualified and experienced instructors

Wide selection of elective courses:

• TOEFL preparation
• American slang and idioms
• vocabulary enrichment
• public speaking
• communication skills
• business writing, reading and oral skills classes
• pronunciation
• academic listening and note-taking

Core classes depend on proficiency level and include:

• grammar
• composition
• reading and vocabulary
• listening and speaking
• critical thinking

Study Alongside American Students

Students in the advanced levels can also choose to audit and/or take courses for credit on the UC Davis campus through the Bridge Program. Students have a wide choice of academic courses in economics, history, psychology, linguistics, communication, engineering and other fields.

Partial-Term Enrollment

Students can attend the first part of any 10-week session as long as they give advance notice to the IEPP office. They must attend a minimum of four weeks of the 10-week session.

Access to Academic Support

Students have access to individualized, guided self-study materials in our nationally-recognized Multimedia Resource Center. Academic advising, including help with university applications, and personal coaching are also available.

Placement by English Language Ability

Intensive English Program students are placed in one of eight proficiency levels based on a written and oral evaluation. Basic- and intermediate-level students focus on core grammar, listening and speaking skills, reading comprehension, vocabulary and composition courses in addition to a Multimedia Resource component for more extensive skills practice. High intermediate students can choose from elective courses, such as Intermediate Listening, American Slang and Idioms, Drama and Pronunciation. More advanced English-speaking students choose from among various core classes and electives, such as Advanced Reading, Vocabulary Enrichment, Advanced Discussion, Public Speaking, Business Vocabulary and Idioms, Advanced Writing, and TOEFL Preparation. Some students choose to take courses for credit on the UC Davis campus or at UC Davis Extension through the Bridge Program.
Some students stay up to a year, progressing through greater levels of mastery. Students who plan to attend graduate school in the U.S. or work in an American setting often spend at least one quarter improving their English skills in the Intensive English Program.

Field Trips

Each quarter, optional trips are planned to scenic, cultural and historic places like San Francisco, Sacramento, Lake Tahoe, Yosemite, the Napa Valley wine region, Las Vegas, San Diego and Los Angeles. The field trips (which vary each quarter) offer a unique opportunity to see California and experience American culture with fellow students and Recreation Program Leaders.

Dates and tuition*

*Prices and program dates are subject to change.

Other program costs**

**All prices are subject to change.
To apply, complete an application for enrollment now.