The Intensive English Program offers programs designed to help non-native speakers develop English skills for personal, academic, and professional purposes. IEP classes are similar to university classes in teaching style and content; therefore, students are required to have studied at least one year of English before attending the IEP.

The academic Intensive English Program improves the listening, speaking, reading, writing, and vocabulary skills needed to study at an American university and includes TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language) practice for advanced students. The official TOEFL is given on campus at the UWF Testing Centers.

The Intensive English Program offers instruction on four levels. The Intensive English Program accepts students from high beginning through advanced. Students are given a placement test on the first day of class, and level is decided by committee. Advancement to the next level of instruction is based on the student’s post test score and class performance. Advanced students take an exit test.

In order to allow adequate time for the processing of the I-20 form for a VISA application, students should apply to the Intensive English Program six to eight weeks before the beginning of a session.

Fall and spring semesters consist of two seven-week terms, and summer consists of two six-week terms. There are 20 class hours of instruction per week. Students may enter the program during the first week of any session.

Mission Statement

The Intensive English Center at the University of West Florida was formed in March 1996 under the direction of the Office of International Education and Programs. The purpose of the Center, now the Intensive English Program, is fivefold:

1. To provide high-quality instruction in academic English to non-native speakers of English who wish to improve their proficiency for study at an American college or university, or for professional or social purposes; to provide students with knowledge of the culture of the United States; to prepare students to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL); and to recruit, orient, test, and place students pursuant to these goals.

2.  To provide English courses (ENS) for non-native speakers who have been admitted to the University of West Florida, but who need to further improve their English skills.

3. To provide specialized courses in English for professional, business, or social purposes as the need arises to meet the needs of the local community.

4. To provide an introductory course and supervised practicum for university
students in Education or English who wish to explore a career in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL).

5. To provide expertise in intercultural communication for the University of West
Florida and the local community.

Related links

• Conditional Admission to UWF