Academic English for Your Bright Future

English Language for Internationals (ELI) is a non-degree, intensive English language program that prepares you for the academic demands of an American university. You will learn useful and practical skills-from note-taking and skimming to writing and giving presentations--that will give you the edge you need to succeed in the classroom.

A semester in ELI will:

• Dramatically improve your English proficiency
• Prepare you for admission to an American college or university
• Increase your TOEFL score
• Polish your English for job or career success
• Introduce you to American culture in a stimulating, educational setting

Why ELI?

• Small classes, personalized attention. Instructors tailor the class to your needs and develop programs that will strengthen your English skills
• Highly trained and experienced faculty with professional degrees in teaching English as a second language. Our instructors understand the special challenges non-native
  speakers face in the college classroom and know how to prepare them for success
• Content-based courses. ELI’s curriculum reflects the assignments you will encounter in your regular graduate and undergraduate courses
• Many levels for different learners. Classes include academic writing, reading, grammar, speaking, pronunciation and graduate presentation workshops
• Advanced ELI classes specifically designed for students pursuing an MBA or business degree

What if I need extra help?

• Free one-on-one tutoring and workshops year round in TOEFL preparation, graduate level writing and presentations, conversation, pronunciation

Will I be part of the University?

• Yes. ELI students receive full Suffolk University student status. That means you will have complete access to the libraries, gymnasium, computer labs, and cafeterias. In addition, you can:
  • Visit Suffolk University academic classes.
  • Join the International Student Association and participate in activities and seminars.

In addition, ELI students are encouraged to take advantage of affordable and fun recreational tours of Boston and New England.

Common questions about ELI

What happens after ELI?

• Qualified applicants may be accepted into a degree program.

Can I take the TOEFL in the ELI program?

• Yes. At the end of the semester, ELI students take an Institutional TOEFL exam (at additional charge). Undergraduates who score 525 or above and who have successfully completed the ELI program by attending classes and completing their coursework at a proficient level may be eligible to enter into a full time degree program at the University.

What about my student visa?

• The Office for International Education will assist you in preparing and maintaining your I-20 certificate/F-1 visa. Please visit their website for more information.

What about the location? I want to be near the metro and the shops.

• You couldn’t ask for a better place to study and learn English. We’re located in the heart of beautiful, historic Boston and convenient to all forms of public transportation. The campus is steps away from the shopping, financial, and government districts.

Support services

The ELI program classes are small and participants receive a great deal of individual attention. In addition, a number of support services are available to help in their academic endeavors, including one-to-one and small group tutoring, instructor office hours, study groups, workshops, career exploration and counseling services, and personal counseling and guidance. To learn more about these services, please click on the links below.

Language Related Services - tutoring and workshops
Ballotti Learning Center - study skills, time management
The University Counseling Center - personal counseling and guidance
Career Services - career exploration, resume and interviewing skills, internships and
cooperative learning programs and job placement
The Center for International Education - immigration and study abroad information.

Completing the ELI program

The ELI Program offers four levels of instruction:

• High Intermediate (ELI 04)
• Low Advanced (ELI 05)
• High Advanced (ELI 06)

Each level may be completed within a semester of study. Students are placed according to institutional TOEFL scores, Test of Written English or TWE scores and work done at other institutions.

In addition, we offer a special program for graduate students entering the MSF or MBA program:

• Special Advanced (ELI 07) Bridge program for graduate students who either plan to enter an MBA program or are conditionally accepted into the Suffolk University MBA/MSF Program.

Suffolk’s MBA/MSF Bridge program has a reading, writing and grammar and a listening, speaking and pronunciation component. Both classes are linked to each other and are designed to prepare students for writing a case analysis and giving a presentation. These core classes can be complemented by a special elective on American Business Culture in which students learn to write an authentic business plan including the financial statements.

Classes

Full-time students in all levels have 22 hours of class instruction per week.

Part-time students can choose among the different skills classes and labs that are offered, depending on their needs.

The courses

Listening, Speaking and Pronunciation

ELI 041, ELI 051, ELI 061, ELI 071 (6 hours)
Students take part in debates, interviews, presentations, academic lectures, and dictations. The emphasis is on improving listening comprehension and note-taking skills, fluency in speaking and accent reduction.

Reading, Writing, and Grammar

ELI 042, ELI 052, ELI 062, ELI 072 (6 hours)
Students read and discuss academic texts, as well as newspapers, magazine and Internet articles. The emphasis is on comprehension and well-written responses to texts, development of vocabulary, academic literacy, and fluency.

American Culture Lab

ELI 043, ELI 053, ELI 063 (5 hours)
Students explore American Culture via literature, music, guest lectures, film, and visits to local museums and theaters.

American Business Culture Lab

ELI 043, ELI 053, ELI 063 (5 hours)
Students learn to write an authentic business plan for a small business.

Computer Lab

ELI 044, ELI 054, ELI 064 (5 hours)
Students are supported in the use of advanced computer technology to conduct research, prepare presentations, and complete homework assignments.

Housing

There is limited on campus housing available in the University’s dormitories. In addition, Suffolk’s Off-Campus Housing Office maintains lists of area apartments, homestays, and roommate opportunities. To learn more about these options please click on the following links.

Residence Life

Off-Campus Housing Office

Admissions requirements

To apply for admission to the ELI Program, you must submit:

• An ELI application
• Proof of at least an intermediate level of English proficiency demonstrated by one of the following:
  • A TOEFL score of 400+ (paper), 110+ (computer)
  • A SAT Verbal score of 250+
  • A Pre-Admission Writing Assessment administered by Suffolk University of 2.0
• An official high school transcript for grades 9 through 12 or some other proof of graduation from high school translated into English.
• For Permanent Residents-a photocopy (front and back) of your Alien Registration Card
• For Visa candidates-a completed Declaration of Finances and/or proof of ability to pay
• Healthcare form & immunization history
• $40 application fee

For more information and an application for admission, call the Office of Undergraduate Admission at (617) 573-8460 or email: admission@suffolk.edu

Downloadable Applications

• Suffolk University English Language for Internationals (ELI) Application for Admission
• Confidential Declaration and Certification of Finances for International Applicants
• Health Care Form

For specific questions about the ELI program, please contact:
Program Coordinator, English Language for Internationals
Suffolk University
8 Ashburton Place
Boston, MA 02108
Tel (617) 573 - 8677
Fax (617) 305 - 1757
email: cmcaleer@suffolk.edu