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ENGLISH LANGUAGE COURSES AT PENN IN THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA
Study English at the English Language Programs of the University of Pennsylvania in 2024 or 2025. Contact a representative to get a quote, to receive more information, and a pdf brochure
STUDY ENGLISH AT THE ELP OF PENN
Penn's English Language Programs have been preparing foreign students since the 1960's and are backed by a highly prestigious Ivy League University such as Penn.
TWO DIFFERENT HIGH-QUALITY ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMS
Penn's English Language Programs fit every student’s needs and goals and are offered at different proficiency levels, including Intensive, Academic, Business, and Pathway English Programs.
LEARN ENGLISH IN A GREAT CITY SUCH AS PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA
While studying English at Penn you can enjoy everything the great city of Philadelphia has to offer, including fascinating historical architecture, museums, and tourist attractions.
TOP 10 REASONS TO STUDY ENGLISH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
This is one of the most popular destination for international studentsMORE THAN 50 YEARS OF ESL EXPERIENCE
The English Language Programs at Penn (ELP) have more than 50 years of experience in English instruction, which guarantees you will receive a high-quality teaching.
A VARIETY OF ENGLISH PROGRAMS AT PENN
Two different English Language Programs, which allows you to choose one that truly fits your current needs and future goals.
LEARN ENGLISH IN AN IVY LEAGUE INSTITUTION
Penn is part of Ivy League, a prestigious group of schools that are often placed at top positions of best universities in the U.S.
HIGHLY-QUALIFIED TEACHERS AT THE ELP
ELP’s teachers have TESOL preparation and years of experience in ESL which contributes to an enriching learning experience.
A GREAT PERSONALIZED EXPERIENCE AT PENN
Before starting you will take a placement test to assess your current English skills, so lessons will be tailored to your current needs
CLASSES ARE INSIDE THE UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
You will live a real university campus experience, as classes are taught at Penn and you can enter open lectures to improve your English skills in a real academic environment.
IMPROVE YOUR CAREER STUDYING ENGLISH ABROAD
Studying English at Penn is a valuable opportunity to improve your CV by acquiring a useful skill that employers around the world greatly value.
FANTASTIC EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AT PENN
Students can enjoy numerous extracurricular activities, such as special events, joining student clubs, and the possibility of using the sports equipment by paying an additional fee.
A DIVERSE EXPERIENCE ABROAD
Studying at Penn is a useful opportunity to meet new people who come from different countries and share similar interests, and networking with fellow professionals.
STUDY IN A FASCINATING CITY
You will spend your time in the fascinating city of Philadelphia, notorious for its rich history and culture, as well as a great architectural heritage.
ENGLISH PROGRAMS AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAMSThe University offers 2 english program options for students
Choose the program that fits you bestIntensive English Program (IP)
Full-time Intensive Program for those looking to improve their English language skills for academic, professional or social purposes.
University Connection Program (UniConn)
This program combines academic English preparation with one-on-one advising to help you successfully apply and gain admission to undergraduate or graduate degree programs at US universities.
INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM (IP)
The Intensive English Program (IEP) at Penn ELP is offered at all English language proficiency levels, from pre-intermediate to advanced. In the most basic levels, you will focus on the four main English language skills (reading, writing, listening and grammar), and at more advanced levels you will be able to choose either two electives (high-intermediate), or four (advanced), which are focused on academic or business topics. Each session lasts 7 weeks, with 20 academic hours per week (50 minutes each); and it is offered in summer, fall and spring, each year.
Main Features
- Full-Time Program
- Classes are on campus
- 20 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
- 7 levels from pre-intermediate to advanced
- You can take several sessions until you achieve your English language goals
- Sessions of 7 weeks.
- Available in summer, fall and spring
- Elective classes available
- 12 to 16 students per class
- Access to sports facilities for an extra fee
- Extra-curricular activities
- Certificate of attendance and final transcript available
- Applies for F-1 student visa
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 17 years old and 6 month the first day of classes. No maximum age. Contact us if you're under 18.
- Students need to be high school graduates.
- Available for international students only.
More information about the intensive English program at PENN ELP
Program activities and resources
Cultural activities:
- On campus: attending guest lectures, watching films, see musical performances, and participate in culture hour events.
- Off campus: ice skating, art installations, museum tours, among other activities.
Social trips:
- Several bus trips a year to many tourist locations and cities near Philadelphia.
Student Center:
- An open area where students can relax, enjoy coffee and tea, meet other people, and put into practice their English skills.
Conversation Partners Program:
- ELP students can request to be match with an Penn student in January and September, who is learning their native language. By interacting they will enjoy a unique experience in which they can learn more about each other’s culture and language.
Volunteer Opportunities, Clubs, and Student Organizations:
- Participate in volunteer activities to practice your English skills while you help others around Philadelphia.
- Join student clubs and organizations to meet other people, have a great time and continue practicing your English skills outside the classroom.
Academic, social, or cultural activities are normally scheduled for two, three times, each week.
Program schedule
200-500 Levels
Courses include: Listening and Speaking Core Course(Mon-Fri) and Reading and Writing Core Course (Mon-Thu). Classes are in the morning or the afternoon.
High-Intermediate
Courses include: All Skills Core Course (Mon-Fri), Reading for Academic Purposes (Mon-Thu) and Writing Accurately and Clearly (Mon-Thu). Classes are in the morning and in the afternoon.
Advanced
Courses include: Academic Vocabulary, Speaking Clearly about the Issues, Advanced Reading and Discussion, Advanced Writing for Academic Purposes (Mon-Fri). Classes are in the morning and in the afternoon.
UNIVERSITY CONNECTION PROGRAM (UniConn)
The University Connection Program at Penn ELP is an English language and university preparation course offered from the intermediate level. By combining academic English instruction; one-on-one advising; admission workshops; and orientation, students are prepared to be admitted and study in a higher education environment in the U.S., in terms of both English proficiency and academic skills. They will learn everything about the admission system, how to write successful essays, and how to submit an excellent application. Each session lasts 7 weeks, it is offered two times each season (fall, spring and summer), and also offers standardized admission test preparation for an extra fee.
Main Features
- Full-Time Program
- Classes are on campus
- 20 hours per week (Monday-Friday)
- Several levels from intermediate to advanced
- You can take several sessions until you achieve your English language goals
- Sessions of 7 weeks.
- Elective classes available
- Standardized test preparation for an extra fee (SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT).
- 12 to 16 students per class
- Access to sports facilities for an extra fee
- Extra-curricular activities
- Certificate of attendance and final transcript available
- Applies for F-1 student visa
Requirements
- Students need to be at least 17 years old and 6 month the first day of classes. No maximum age. Contact us if you're under 18.
- Students must be high school graduates.
- Must achieve an intermediate proficiency level on the placement test
- Available for international students only.
More information about the University Connection program at PENN
Program services
- You will receive guidance from experienced advisors, experts in the whole admission process to U.S. higher education institutions.
- You can participate in workshops in which you will learn about fundamental university admission information, how to write application essays, how to apply to American institutions, and how to prepare an effective résumé.
- Orientation about American university culture, including how to manage schedules and address the difficulties of studying a degree program in an American higher education environment.
- Academic English language teaching, and admissions and standardized tests preparation.
- Networking opportunities with university admissions representatives.
Program schedule
Courses include: Academic Vocabulary, Writing the University Application Essay, Listening and Speaking Skills for TOEFL iBT and Skills for Success at US Universities. Classes go from Monday through Thursday.
PRICES & DATES
Complete the contact form to get a quotePRICES AND DATES ENGLISH PROGRAMS 2024 - 2025
How much does it cost to study English in The University of Pennsylvania?Price Tables:
Table with costs and dates of the Intensive English Program(IP) of Penn 2024 - 2025
Session | Dates | Duration | Program Fee |
---|---|---|---|
Fall, 2024 Full quarter | August 29 - December 13, 2024 (Deadline to apply: July 19, 2024) | 14 weeks | $9,394* |
Fall I, 2024 | August 29 - October 18, 2024 (Deadline to apply: July 19, 2024) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Fall II, 2024 | October 24 - December 13, 2024 (Deadline to apply: September 13, 2024) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Spring, 2025 Full quarter | January 9 - April 25, 2025 (Deadline to apply: November 29, 2024) | 14 weeks | $9,394* |
Spring I, 2024 | January 9 - February 28, 2025 (Deadline to apply: November 29, 2024) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Spring II, 2025 | March 6 - April 25, 2025 (Deadline to apply: January 24, 2025) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Summer, 2025 Full quarter | May 1 - August 22, 2025 (Deadline to apply: March 21, 2025) | 14 weeks | New price available soon |
Summer I, 2024 | May 1 - June 20, 2025 (Deadline to apply: March 21, 2025) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Summer II, 2025 | July 22 - August 22, 2025 (Deadline to apply: May 23, 2025) | 7 weeks | New price available soon |
Fall, 2025 Full quarter | September 4 - December 19, 2025 (Deadline to apply: July 25, 2025) | 14 weeks | New price available soon |
Fall I, 2024 | September 4 - October 24, 2025 (Deadline to apply: July 25, 2025) | 7 weeks | New price available soon |
Fall II, 2025 | October 30 - December 19, 2025 (Deadline to apply: September 19, 2025) | 7 weeks | New price available soon |
The multi-session discount does not apply to the Summer 1 + Summer 2 combination, because new prices go into effect Summer 2 of each year.
You can study one, two, or more consecutive sessions, and you can start the English program at any session of the year. You will not repeat the same course, because each session will be in a different level.
Other costs to consider
Apart from the tuition fee, there are other costs you should consider, such as:
- Application fee: a USD$90 non-refundable fee paid upon your application, which covers the delivery to your home country of the Form I-20 via certified post mail, which is needed to apply for the student visa.
- Deposit: there's a US$410 deposit that will be applied towards your bill.
- University fees: a US$660 fee aprox.
- Visa costs: international students who enroll on a full-time program in the USA need the F-1 student visa. Costs related to the F-1 visa include the I-901 SEVIS Fee (US$350 aprox) to register on the Student Exchange Visitor Information System and a Visa fee (US$160 aprox). These are costs set by the U.S. government.
- Accommodation in Philadelphia: since you will be living and studying abroad, you should consider certain housing costs. Down below you can read some of the options PENN recommends for foreign students.
- Health insurance: all those who are on a student visa in the US must have a mandatory health insurance, which is offered by PENN, and costs approximately USD$250 per session.
- Books and supplies: these materials are not included within your tuition fees and you must buy them from the Penn bookstore.
- Flight Tickets from your country to Philadelphia, USA
- Food: how much you spend on this item depends on where you eat. You can try eating at home or on campus.
Table with costs and dates of the University Connection Program(UniConn) of Penn 2024 - 2025
Session | Dates | Duration | Program Fee |
---|---|---|---|
Fall, 2024 Full quarter | August 29 - December 13, 2024 (Deadline to apply: July 19, 2024) | 14 weeks | $9,394* |
Fall I, 2024 | August 29 - October 18, 2024 (Deadline to apply: July 19, 2024) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Fall II, 2024 | October 24 - December 13, 2024 (Deadline to apply: September 13, 2024) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Spring, 2025 Full quarter | January 9 - April 25, 2025 (Deadline to apply: November 29, 2024) | 14 weeks | $9,394* |
Spring I, 2024 | January 9 - February 28, 2025 (Deadline to apply: November 29, 2024) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Spring II, 2025 | March 6 - April 25, 2025 (Deadline to apply: January 24, 2025) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Summer, 2025 Full quarter | May 1 - August 22, 2025 (Deadline to apply: March 21, 2025) | 14 weeks | New price available soon |
Summer I, 2024 | May 1 - June 20, 2025 (Deadline to apply: March 21, 2025) | 7 weeks | $5,065 |
Summer II, 2025 | July 22 - August 22, 2025 (Deadline to apply: May 23, 2025) | 7 weeks | New price available soon |
Fall, 2025 Full quarter | September 4 - December 19, 2025 (Deadline to apply: July 25, 2025) | 14 weeks | New price available soon |
Fall I, 2024 | September 4 - October 24, 2025 (Deadline to apply: July 25, 2025) | 7 weeks | New price available soon |
Fall II, 2025 | October 30 - December 19, 2025 (Deadline to apply: September 19, 2025) | 7 weeks | New price available soon |
The multi-session discount does not apply to the Summer 1 + Summer 2 combination, because new prices go into effect Summer 2 of each year.
You can study one, two, or more consecutive sessions, and you can start the English program at any session of the year. You will not repeat the same course, because each session will be in a different level.
Other costs to consider
Apart from the tuition fee, there are other costs you should consider, such as:
- Application fee: a USD$90 non-refundable fee paid upon your application, which covers the delivery to your home country of the Form I-20 via certified post mail, which is needed to apply for the student visa.
- Deposit: there's a US$410 deposit that will be applied towards your bill.
- University fees: a US$660 fee aprox.
- Visa costs: international students who enroll on a full-time program in the USA need the F-1 student visa. Costs related to the F-1 visa include the I-901 SEVIS Fee (US$350 aprox) to register on the Student Exchange Visitor Information System and a Visa fee (US$160 aprox). These are costs set by the U.S. government.
- Accommodation in Philadelphia: since you will be living and studying abroad, you should consider certain housing costs. Down below you can read some of the options PENN recommends for foreign students.
- Health insurance: all those who are on a student visa in the US must have a mandatory health insurance, which is offered by PENN, and costs approximately USD$250 per session.
- Books and supplies: these materials are not included within your tuition fees and you must buy them from the Penn bookstore.
- Flight Tickets from your country to Philadelphia, USA
- Food: how much you spend on this item depends on where you eat. You can try eating at home or on campus.
Click for Your Customized Quote!
Click to find out how much money you need.HOW TO APPLY FOR AN INTENSIVE ENGLISH PROGRAM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
All the application process is online. Follow the instructions belowSteps to apply for a program
1. Application Process
2. Acceptance Process
3. Visa Processing
4. Payment
5. Classes start!
1. Application Process
Documents must be sent to upennvivecampus.com
Documents needed to apply
1. Application Form
Download and complete the application form. Do not forget to sign the form.
Download Form and Instructions2. Passport Copy
Clear Copy of the identification page of your passport. The passport must be valid for 6 months after the first day of classes.
3. Financial Verification
Bank letter or bank statement that shows that you or your sponsor have at least the "Estimated Total Expense" of the program (amounts can be in US dollars or your local currency).
The estimated total expense is an estimate made by the university that includes tuition fees, and an estimate of what you might spend in medical insurance, housing, meals, books and supplies. Flight tickets are not included in this estimation.
Bank document must show at least the following amount per program:
- Intensive Program/University Connection: $10,237 per session
- University Connection Plus: $10,811 per session
4. Application Fee
Non-refundable application fee of US$90 dollars plus a US$310 tuition deposit (US$400) paid to the English Language Programs. After receiving confirmation from one of our representatives, you must pay the application fee online, following the instructions mentioned by the representative.
Send your application documents
A representative need to review all your documents are correct.
Your application documents must be sent to upennvivecampus.com
*If you are a transfer student from another US school, please contact us for more details. The application process is different
2. Acceptance Process
After we have received all your application documents and you have paid the application fee, you will be contacted by the admission office within 2 weeks.
If you are applying for a full-time program, you will need an F-1 student visa. After you have been accepted in the program, the admission office will send you the acceptance documents plus the form I-20, needed to apply for the F-1 student visa.
3. Visa Processing
Please check with us what type of visa you need, depending on the program you are interested in at PENN.
- If the program you are applying for is a full-time program (18hrs/week or more), you will need the F-1 student visa. With an F-1 visa you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
- If your program is less than 18 hours a week, you will have to travel to the U.S. as a tourist with a B1/B2 tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. As a tourist, you can only stay in the U.S. the time period your tourist visa allows, since your main purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.
Please check the website of the U.S. embassy of your country to see the steps you need to apply for a visa.
Generally, for a F-1 student visa, students must do the following:
- Complete the DS-160 form
- Schedule an appointment at the U.S. embassy
- Pay for the F-1 student visa (approx. US$160)
- Pay for the I-901 SEVIS Fee (approx. US$350): https://www.fmjfee.com/i901fee/index.html
- Go to the embassy on the scheduled day
You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: https://www.usembassy.gov/
4. Payment
Next, you need to make full payment of all remaining fees, which is due at arrival and can be done by wire transfer, check, money order or cash. You will receive more information regarding dates once you begin the application process.
5. Arrival at School
You should arrive a day before the program start date. On your admission letter you can find more information about the orientation and the initial placement test. On the first day at school you should bring your passport and a pen.
Important: We suggest that you apply at least 2 months in advance.
ACTIVITIES FOR INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
You will be able to participate in several activities during the programSOCIAL, CULTURAL AND SPORTS ACTIVITIES IN PHILADELPHIA AND ACTIVITIES AT THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
Most of the activities are free!ONE OF THE BEST WAYS TO KEEP IMPROVING YOUR ENGLISH OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM IS BY PARTICIPATING IN SOCIAL, CULTURAL, SPORT AND OTHER ACTIVITIES OFFERED BY THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA.
International students can participate in activities as:
- On-campus activities
- Conversation partner program
- Off-campus extracurricular activities
- Volunteering activities
- Sports activities inside the campus
Some on-campus activities include guest lectures by expert Penn academics; watching films; and enjoying musical performances. On the other hand, some off-campus activities are: ice skating; visiting art installations; enjoying visits to local museums; and exploring popular tourist locations. There are also volunteering activities to help others and engage with the local community, while you meet new people and practice your English skills outside the classroom. Finally, you can also join the conversation partners program, in which you are paired with a Penn student to practice each other's languages. You can also pay an additional fee to use the top-quality sports facilities inside the Penn campus.
Information about the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, also known as Philly, is located next to the Delaware River and is the biggest city in the state of Pennsylvania. Philly is renowned for its many historical tourist attractions related to the American War of Independence, including the Liberty Bell Pavilion; Independence Hall; Independence National Historical Park; and many others. In terms of climate, Philadelphia has hot summers, mild weather in fall and spring, and cold winters.
Finally, SEPTA (the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority) operates the city’s subway and bus services, which can help you get around the Philly area. There is also a regional rail system that can take you to the different suburbs and even as far as Trenton, NJ.
Some of the activities you can enjoy and locations you can visit in Philadelphia are:
- Visiting the Liberty Bell Pavilion to learn more about American history.
- Try exploring the Liberty Hall, where the Declaration of Independence was signed on July 4, 1776.
- Discovering the fascinating art pieces in the Philadelphia Museum of Art, which was featured in the now classic Rocky film.
- Going to the Reading Terminal Market, where you can shop from local independent businesses.
- Exploring the Eastern State Penitentiary, a former prison now turned into a fascinating museum.
- Visiting the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts Museum, where you can learn more about the history of contemporaneous American art.
- Going to the Philadelphia Zoo, a great place to learn more about awe-inspiring animal species.
- Trying the world-famous Philadelphia Cheesesteak, including both traditional and vegan options.
Information about The University of Pennsylvania
Founded in 1740 by the world-famous Benjamin Franklin, the University of Pennsylvania is located in Philadelphia, and it is part of the famous Ivy League, which is composed by 8 different universities; including Harvard, Yale, Cornell, Princeton, among others. Its student body is made from 10,468 undergraduate and 10,890 graduate students, 4,859 international students, and it has 4,722 faculty members.
Its 1,085 acres are divided in the West Philadelphia campus, the New Bolton Center, and the Morris Arboretum. Its four undergraduate schools are The College at Penn (School of arts and Sciences), School of Engineering and Applied Science, School of Nursing, and The Wharton School; and it also has 12 graduate and professional schools.
The Penn English Language Programs (ELP) were established in the 1960’s and are endorsed by an Ivy League university and 50 years of teaching experience, which guarantees you will receive an excellent English language education during your time abroad.
Some facts about Penn:
- #15 best university in the world according to the QS Ranking.
- Part of the prestigious Ivy League, along 7 other schools, including Columbia, Harvard, Dartmouth, Yale, Princeton, among others.
- There are numerous fun and exciting activities prepared for all students, in which they can continue practicing their English skills, while they meet other ELP and Penn students.
- You will study in the great Penn campus, near light rail and subway stations, and near downtown Philadelphia.
Photos of the English Programs at The University of Pennsylvania
Videos of the English Programs at The University of Pennsylvania
HOUSING IN PHILADELPHIA
Most common housing options for international students in PhiladelphiaSTUDENTS FROM THE INTENSIVE ENGLISH LANGUAGE PROGRAM AT PENN HAVE 3 MAIN HOUSING OPTIONS IN PHILADELPHIA:
Check housing options for international students at PENN in Philadelphia- Dormitories off Campus
- Apartments
- Homestay
Dormitories Off Campus
Living in a student residence is a great opportunity to meet new friends and experience a real college experience.
Some of the options are:
Apartments
International students from the English Language Programs of Penn can live off campus in apartments or lofts. You are responsible for arranging your own accommodations directly with the housing provider of your choice.
Some of the options are:
Homestay (Living with a family)
Homestay is an opportunity to live in Philadelphia, in a home with an American family located near the campus. Host families provide a private bedroom and a private or shared bath, plus different meal options.
Some of the options are:
FINDING A PLACE TO LIVE, DEPENDS EXCLUSIVELY ON THE STUDENT.
There are many options available near the campus of the University of Pennsylvania. If the housing option is off campus, students must contact directly the housing provider.
FAQS
Do you have any question about studying English at PENN?FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT STUDYING ENGLISH IN THE UNIVERSITY OF PENNSYLVANIA
If you do not find the answer, please contact a representative filling the form belowWhat is the Penn ELP?
The ELP at the University of Pennsylvania is an English language institute founded in the 1960’s, with the aim of offering English instruction for foreign students. 50+ years of experience, plus the endorsement of an Ivy League University, guarantees you will receive an excellent English instruction that will be fundamental for your academic and career future.
Why should I study an English program at Penn ELP at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia?
The University of Pennsylvania is currently place at #15 in the 2020 QS Ranking of all the universities around the world, and Penn has more than 50 years of experience in English language teaching, and its teachers and staff are always making efforts to improve the school’s high-level of English language instruction. Moreover, ELP has a wide selection of English programs you can choose from based on your needs and goals, so you can make the best of your experience abroad. Finally, you will have plenty of opportunities to meet other people, create networking relations, visit popular tourist attractions in Philadelphia, and participate in fascinating cultural activities.
Is there a minimum age to apply to these English language programs?
Yes, in some cases you must be 18 years old, while in others you must turn 18 years old within 6 months of the first day of the program. This means for the latter, you can apply while being 17, but you must turn 18 years old within the 6 months following the first day of the program.
Which are the different steps of the application process for the F-1 student visa to study English at PENN?
Please check with us what type of visa you need to take the program you are interested in.
- All full-time programs in the U.S. require a F-1 student Visa. With an F-1 visa you can extend your stay in the United States as long as you continue studying.
- Part-time programs (less than 18 hours a week) can be taken with a tourist visa or visa waiver ESTA. With a tourist visa, you can only stay in the U.S. the duration your tourist visa allows, since your main purpose in the U.S. should be tourism.
If you need an F-1 student visa, please apply as soon as you receive your acceptance documents (I-20 form) from the English Language Programs at The University of Pennsylvania. In some countries it can take several weeks to obtain a visa interview at the U.S. embassy.
You must confirm these steps on the website of the U.S. embassy in your country. You can look for your nearest U.S. embassy here: https://www.usembassy.gov/
How is my English proficiency level tested?
For the Intensive Program and the University Connection Program you will take an online placement test, and the results will be used to place you in the right English level.
Do I need to submit a test score or a transcript when applying to these ESL programs?
Some programs do require an IELTS, TOEFL, or TOEIC test score result, which you must submit along with all the application document.
Do I receive any certification or documents by the end of the program?
Yes, you will receive a final transcript with your scores and a certificate of attendance, if you meet the minimum attendance requirements.
I am not a student in my home country, can I take these English language programs with a student visa?
In some cases, yes, since while some programs may require previous studies or to be currently studying, for others you do not have to be currently studying to apply. You can check this information by looking at the requirements for the specific program you wish to enroll on, as well as the visa requirements.
Can I enroll on these ESL programs with a tourist visa or a visa waiver?
No, you must apply with a F-1 Student Visa, as these are intensive programs that require this kind of visa.
What are the school’s English language levels?
Penn ELP has 7 different levels, from pre-intermediate to advanced.
How many students are in each class?
Classes have normally 12 to 16 students, with 20 students maximum.
How long is each academic hour?
Each academic hour is 50 minutes long and classes are between 8:00 a.m. and 5:55 p.m.
What kind of accommodations are available?
You can choose from different off-campus accommodations, whichever fits your needs the best. Off-campus options include homestays and private rentals. Don’t hesitate to contact us if you have any questions regarding housing.
Can I attend Penn lectures?
Yes, ELP students are allowed to attend regular Penn lectures that are open for the Penn community. You can also attend closed lectures by asking the professor by email.
Can I use the university’s facilities and services?
Yes, by being an ELP student you will have access to libraries, museums, computer labs, arboretum, and access to Penn’s student clubs and organizations. Additionally, you can access to Penn’s recreational facilities by paying a fee.
Do I have to pay to participate in university activities?
There are both free and payed school activities. You can contact the ELP staff for more information about these activities.
Do I need to buy health insurance?
Yes, all students on an F-1 Student Visa must have the health insurance offered through ELP. Those who are not F-1 Visa recipients (e.g. American citizens or permanent residents), must provide proof of health insurance coverage.
Do I need to buy any books?
Yes, you must buy books and materials from Penn’s bookstore. ELP will provide the list of books and materials you will need.
Is there an application fee for the English programs?
Yes, there is a $310 non-refundable deposit and a $90 enrollment fee. These will be applied towards your final course fee payment.
When do I pay? What are the payment methods for these ESL courses?
You must make the payments once you arrive to the school. The payment methods for the initial fees are check, international money order or wire transfer by Flywire. The remaining payment can be done via wire transfer, check, money order, or cash. Credit card payments are not accepted.
Are there any scholarships for the English programs?
There are no scholarships offered for these programs.
Can I work with an F-1 student visa?
You can work up to 20 hours on campus. Nonetheless, you will be competing with regular Penn students for on-campus job positions, so it is very difficult to find a job.
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