Lakeland College

The Curriculum

The English Language Institute provides 14-week semester programs to familiarize you with American culture and customs as you learn English.

In the classroom, you will have 18 hours of intensive English instruction per week, studying reading, writing, listening, speaking, grammar, and TOEFL preparation with qualified professionals.

You will also be constantly learning outside the classroom because at Lakeland College every ELI student is an important part of the college community. You will have the opportunity to join on-campus groups such as sororities and fraternities, Habitat for Humanity, music groups, or the Lakeland Theater. Our language lab is the campus itself, enabling you to practice English every day with American students. You will interact with Americans in the residence hall, cafeteria, and library, at sporting events, and in every other part of your college experience. You will have opportunities to practice English and learn about American culture every day!

Before you begin class, we will test your English ability. You will take Institutional TOEFL examinations at the beginning and the end of each term. Your study in the ELI will conclude when you reach the level of proficiency you want to achieve. You may move into the Bridge Program after you have completed one semester in the ELI, but you must have the recommendation of the ELI teaching staff and a TOEFL score of 475. The Bridge Program allows you to take one or two academic courses while you are taking two ELI courses. When you achieve a TOEFL score of 500 or pass the program’s exit criteria, you may take a full load of undergraduate classes at Lakeland the next term. The number of semesters you study in the ELI depends on your initial English proficiency level and the amount of effort you put forth as you study. Most beginning and low-intermediate students need two semesters of intensive English study before taking academic classes, while high-intermediate and advanced students usually need only one semester.

English Language Institute Subjects

Reading/Writing Classes

In the ELI reading and writing classes, you will develop your skills by doing the things that help the most: reading and writing. You will read many kinds of texts, including academic books, short passages, articles, and novels. You will also write paragraphs, essays, journal entries, and other formal and informal texts. These activities will help you improve your reading comprehension and your writing fluency.

Listening/Speaking Classes

In the ELI listening and speaking classes, you will improve your listening comprehension and your spoken fluency and accuracy. You will listen to academic lectures, give presentations, improve your pronunciation, and practice your conversational skills.

Grammar Class

In ELI grammar class, you will learn and review grammar structures. You will practice using grammar correctly in controlled exercises, and you will do extensive writing to practice producing grammar accurately in texts.

TOEFL Review Class

In TOEFL review class, you will become familiar with the TOEFL test and practice test-taking skills. You will also have the opportunity to review grammar and reading skills, and you will practice listening and learn idioms.