Welcome to Intensive English Program

Southeast Missouri State University’s Intensive English Program (IEP) was established in 1978 to provide English language instruction to international students who desired a degree from an American university.  Today, the IEP continues that tradition by providing international students the language, academic, and cultural skills necessary to succeed in American institutions of higher learning.  Throughout its thirty-year history, the IEP has sought to respond to and support the learning needs of international students from around the globe. Highly qualified and committed faculty, and effective curriculum combined with modern, creative approaches to ESL teaching and learning have ensured a consistently high success rate among students entering our programs.

Admissions

High school graduates from throughout the world are eligible to study English in the IEP.  Many apply simultaneously to Southeast Missouri State University, and may be conditionally admitted to the university. These students may enter the university upon their successful completion of the IEP.  Others may choose to apply to the IEP for language study only, with the intention of continuing their educations elsewhere, or pursuing other interests upon completion.

 Students may enroll at the time of year most convenient to them, in August, October, January, March or June.  The following application documents need to be submitted for admission consideration:

1. Completed International Student Application
2. Transcripts of high school work, and any post-secondary studies
3. Affidavit of support and financial verification
4. Application fee of $100

 The International Application form and other information are available online at: http://www2.semo.edu/intadmit/ Prospective students may also request an application packet by email, intadmit@semo.edu, or telephone: (573) 986-6863.

 Students otherwise qualified for admission to the university may receive conditional admission, and enroll for undergraduate courses on completion of the English language requirements through the IEP.  No prior knowledge of English is required for admission.  Students from absolute beginning to more advanced levels of English proficiency are eligible.

 Curriculum and Program Structure

IEP courses are taught in five eight-week sessions during the year:  two in the fall, two in the spring and one during summer months.  Additionally, a three-week special topics session is offered in May.

Five courses: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar/special topics, meet daily for a total of 25 hours of language instruction each week. Classes at various levels of instruction, beginning through advanced, meet simultaneously.  Students receive grades in these courses of A, B, C, D, or F. Students must receive grades of C or better to be eligible to advance to the next highest level courses.  The proficiency of continuing students is assessed every second eight-weeks, and their course placements adjusted accordingly.  In addition, all full-time students take the ESL laboratory course each term, in which they individualize their out-of-class studies in consultation with, and supervised by, an IEP faculty member.  The laboratory course is graded on a pass/fail basis.

Students with advanced language skills may be permitted to “bridge” to selected university level courses before completing all IEP language studies.

Normally, a beginning level student completes the IEP and attains sufficient language proficiency to enter the university within 12 to 18 months of arrival.

Intensive English students who are conditionally admitted to university courses of study, may enter the university upon successful completion of the Advanced level courses in the IEP and as recommended by the faculty.

Orientation, Proficiency Testing, and Placement

All new students receive a two-day orientation program upon arrival for IEP studies.  This program includes an overview of the IEP and the University, academic and social expectations, and information on various student services as well as an orientation to the greater Cape Girardeau community.  Topics such as housing, transportation, banking, and shopping are discussed and a van tour of the community is included.

Also at this time students are tested for their language proficiencies in listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar/structure.  Results of this testing determine the appropriate level placement of students in the various subject area courses.

Faculty

The Intensive English Program is taught by a cadre of full time and part time faculty, each of whom hold the masters or doctoral degree in English language teaching, or closely related field.  These faculty members are highly trained instructors with extensive professional experience in teaching English as a second language.

Housing

The university provides a variety of affordable housing and meal options on campus.  Various off-campus apartments and other residences within walking distance of campus are available for students who are at least 21 years of age.  Further information on university housing is available online at http://www.semo.edu/housing/index.htm.

Home Stay 

Home stay with a local family is available for up to eight weeks for first-term IEP students who request it.  Through this program, students are matched with local host families who provide housing, most meals and transportation to and from campus.  The cost is comparable to living on campus. This option is available for students who wish to have an especially rich cultural and language development experience during their first term.

Student Life

Students enrolled in the Intensive English Program have access to all of the campus activities and resources the University has to offer, including modern recreation centers, extensive library and computing resources, sports and arts programs and a variety of student organizations.  Throughout the year, the university and the IEP sponsor activities especially with and for international students. These include occasional trips to places of interest in the area, international picnics and dinners, art, talent and fashion shows.

For questions or further information about the Intensive English Program contact the director, Dr.David Price (dwprice@semo.edu).

 

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