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; 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.