Program Overview

At the UMass Amherst IEP, we offer all levels of instruction (see table below). If you arrive at an intermediate level, you should be able to achieve an advanced level within one year of instruction. Placement exams will be administered to each student to determine incoming level, regardless of whether an IELTS or TOEFL score was submitted.

*Students progress at different levels and will be retested at the beginning of each semester to determine their level of proficiency.

**Classes are determined by cohort size and proficiency level.

Each semester, students will enroll in three courses with a total of 18 hours of instruction per week. In addition, students will have access to a variety of language learning software in the LLC Language Teaching & Research Lab. Course descriptions are listed below.

• ACADEMIC WRITTEN ENGLISH (8 HOURS PER WEEK)

Focuses on developing students reading and writing skills with a focus on academic genres and academic vocabulary. English grammatical structures will be fully integrated into the course and taught in context. Students will work on tasks and projects throughout the course that require reading and writing skills.

• ACADEMIC SPOKEN ENGLISH (8 HOURS PER WEEK)

Focuses on developing students listening and speaking skills with a focus on academic interactions. English grammatical structures will be fully integrated into the course and taught in context. Students will work on tasks and projects throughout the course that require them to demonstrate their oral communication skills.

ADDITIONAL COURSE*(2 HOURS PER WEEK)

• AMERICAN CULTURE:

Focuses on invisible elements of American culture (including university culture) that directly impact communication. Students will learn about discourse practices and pragmatics as a means to better accomplish their goals within an American cultural setting.

• IELTS/TOEFL/GRE/SAT PREP (EACH OFFERED DEPENDING ON INTEREST):

Focuses on test-taking strategies related to specific tests relevant to pursuing admission to U.S. or English-medium higher education institutions.

• FOCUS ON GRAMMAR:

Focuses on English sentence structures relevant for a given proficiency level. The course will be task/project-based to enable meaningful application of content.

• FOCUS ON PRONUNCIATION:

Focuses on the production and perception of English sounds, including prosodic features that occur above the sound/word level. This course will be offered at given proficiency levels, and will also be task/project-based to enable meaningful application of content.

*Additional courses are offered based on student interest.

All classes take place on the UMass Amherst campus and are offered from 8:00am to 5:00pm. Evening classes may also be offered depending on need. Below is a sample schedule:  

Program Overview | Dates and Deadlines | Program Fees and Expenses | How to Apply | Student Life

Dates and Deadlines

Program Overview | Dates and Deadlines | Program Fees and Expenses | How to Apply | Student Life

Program Fees and Expenses

*Please note, semester IEP Program Fees do not include room and board; the fees do include textbooks, activity fees, campus fees (ID Card, Recreation Center, Bus Service, etc.). 

**The above table indicates estimates for on & off campus housing in the Amherst area. Expenses will vary by availability.

***Estimate based on an individual participant with standard international student insurance plan.

****Please note that in addition to the UMass visa processing fee, particiants will be responsible for fees related to their visa application including the  F-1 visa application fee and SEVIS fee. Please check with the U.S. State Department website for current information regarding SEVIS and visa application fees: Fees for Visa Services

Program Overview | Dates and Deadlines | Program Fees and Expenses | How to Apply | Student Life

How to Apply

Applicants do not have to have a TOEFL or IELTS score. If you do, please enter it; if not, enter '0'

Apply online to UMass Amherst's Intensive English Program (IEP). The application requires:

• A brief written statement of interest (100-300 words)
• A copy of your secondary school diploma
• Copy of your passport
• Non-refundable application fee: $75

Program Overview | Dates and Deadlines | Program Fees and Expenses | How to Apply | Student Life

Student Life

Accommodations

While attending the UMass Amherst IEP program, students will need to secure accommodations off-campus (only summer session includes on campus housing & meals). We can assist you in this process by pointing out local sources for finding housing. The best place to start is the off-campus housing website: https://offcampushousing.umass.edu. On this website, you can find rental information and assistance with finding a roommate. There is also a secure messaging board for international students looking to find a roommate to share a house or apartment with. 

Meals and Dining

UMass Amherst is ranked #1 in the country for campus food by the Princeton Review!

Students can choose from several dining commons and cafes on campus for meals (only summer session includes on meals in cost). The University’s award-winning food service provides a variety of choices (including vegetarian and vegan options) for each meal. It’s not unusual at one meal to have a choice between sushi, pho noodles, create-your own stir-fry, pizza, a pasta bar, or the deli station. Not to mention the soft-serve sundae bar. Three meals a day are included in room & board. Students can use their meal card swipes at campus cafes as well as the dining commons.

UMass Amherst Dining: https://umassdining.com/

Trips & Activities

Home to amazing universities, beautiful nature, and a diverse arts and culture scene, we're sure you'll love Amherst and the surrounding area!

During your time at the IEP, there will be plenty of activities to keep you engaged, informed, and supported outside the classroom. 

Trips & Activities Examples (Subject to change)

Academic Activities

• Workshops on Applying to University, Personal Statement Writing, Resume Writing, & more
• Tours of college campuses in the New England area
• Access to campus lectures, events, & talks

Weekend Excursions

• New York & Boston
• Six Flags New England Theme Park
• MASS MoCA
• Roller skating/go-karts/bowling

Social Events

• Sports, picnics, game nights, movie nights, & more
• Conversation circles & coffee socials
• Cross-cultural engagement events

Program Overview | Dates and Deadlines | Program Fees and Expenses | How to Apply | Student Life