The English Language Program (ELP) is an academic, twelve-month, intensive English program that aims primarily at assisting international students in developing their English language proficiency to the level needed to pursue their education in one of the six schools at Purdue University Calumet. The ELP academic year is made up of two fifteen-week semesters and one eight-week semester during the summer. ELP has three proficiency levels determined by student placement testing scores after arrival: Low Intermediate, Intermediate, and Advanced. Classes focus on the academic skills of listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation are integrated in all skills. Students in ELP receive 21 contact hours, including instruction in Computer Language Assisted Learning. Classes meet four days a week, Mondays through Thursdays. Educational and cultural field trips are offered to students throughout the semester. Some teachers go on these field trips as chaperones, while several domestic students accompany ELP students on these field trips in order to provide cultural insight and English practice for ELP students. All instructors in the ELP have at least a Master’s Degree in Applied Linguistics / TESOL and extensive experience Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages.
Mentoring
The Mentoring Program is designed to assist English Language Program (ELP) students in overcoming cultural barriers due to limited English language skills and social customs. We assist new students beginning at the time of arrival with airport pick up, finding local banks and retail stores, locating health care providers, touring the campus. Above all, we strive to make their U.S. experience as positive and rewarding as possible. A wide variety of educational and social activities are offered to encourage students to make new friends and learn more about American culture. For those students enrolled in the English Language Program, mentoring is specially designed to help students practice their reading, writing and conversation skills.
Airport
Airport pickup is available for English Language Program (ELP) students at Chicago’s Midway or O’Hare airports. Arrival assistance or airport pickup is by appointment only on specified dates and times prior to the beginning of the semester. ELP students can schedule their airport pickup by submitting the International Student Arrival Information Form.
