With five levels of difficulty, the program accommodates learners of all ages and stages of English proficiency. In the Summer Session alone, the IEP will host 28 students from 13 countries to improve their language skills.
"We’re so proud to offer a meaningful language instruction experience for our students who want to learn English in Miami," says Executive Director Michelle Alvarez, "The University’s emphasis on global education and leadership means our IEP students are uniquely supported from the moment they step on campus. Whatever goals they have, our staff will guide and assist them."
Beyond its academic benefits, the Intensive English Program provides immersive cultural and recreational activities throughout each term to acclimate students to local culture and living in South Florida.
We spoke with two Summer Session students to learn more about what they hope to accomplish in the program and how improving their English skills will help them in the future.
Tammy Garcia, 34, is a Level 5 student from Mexico. She was excited to enroll in the IEP at the University of Miami because she often visited Miami growing up on vacation with her family. Tammy completed her college education in Mexico but has "always wanted to study in the [United] States." She feels even more appreciative of returning to the classroom having already had a college experience.
"It’s a precious opportunity to get to know locals and get to speak English," she says, "One of my goals is to write better in English." As someone who uses English reading and writing skills in her career, she wants to take her understanding to the next level. Tammy began her studies at the University of Miami in the previous Spring Session as a Level 4 student and wants to get more involved with campus sports and student activities, like kiteboarding, this summer.
As a returning student, "I know how things work so I am more prepared. I am happy. I love the program and UM," she says. She also enjoys being in the classroom with students from all over the world and feels like being a little older than the typical IEP student has its advantages. Having already had the college experience, she feels even more focused on improving her reading and writing skills in the classroom and off-campus.
Jessica Bergmann, 24, is a Level 5 student from Germany. Her goal is to attend the University of Miami this fall as an undergraduate student and to study criminology. Like Tammy, Jessica had visited Miami prior to enrolling in the IEP. Having friends and family in the area has helped ease her transition and get acclimated to the city.
Although Jessica found the language barrier challenging when she first arrived in the US, she finds comfort in her fellow classmates, saying, "I feel more connected to them because I know they are [also] not native speakers."
She admits to being nervous to practice her English outside of the classroom at first but found that it is important to overcome that fear and just go for it.
Jessica also enjoys the friendships and community that form with her fellow classmates, saying, "It’s unique because we have so many kinds of people from different countries and cultures, and I think it’s interesting to learn from them and bring up new ideas."
One of her favorite memories from the IEP was befriending another German student during the Spring Session as a level 4 student who also plans to attend the University as an undergraduate in the fall. Like many of our IEP students, Jessica makes the most of both the academic and social opportunities that this program is proud to provide.
Please visit our website for more information on our Intensive English Program or enroll for upcoming sessions.
