Intensive English Courses in Alabama

English Language and Culture Institute - University of Alabama at Birmingham:
The English Language and Culture Institute (ELCI) is a professional resource for English language learning and cross-culture training located in the School of Education at the University of Alabama in Birmingham, Jefferson County, Alabama in the southern region of the USA. English language study: English for Academic Purposes, English for Corporate/Professional Purposes, and English for the Community. Cross-cultural communication seminars are also available for groups interested in increasing their cross-cultural knowledge and communicative ability. The ELCI offers a range of ESL courses to students, area residents, business people, local corporations, and international visitors. As the city's professional language learning resource for adults and higher education, the ELCI is committed to "Bridging Cultures through Language" through playing an active role in our region's emerging international identity.

Intensive English Program (IEP):
The English Language and Culture Institute (ELCI) offers intensive English language study designed to prepare students for university coursework, employment in the U.S., or improvement of general English skills. The IEP at the ELCI offers quality instruction, small classes, and ample opportunity to practice the skills learned in the classroom. In particular, the IEP is designed to prepare students for success in UAB’s numerous undergraduate, graduate, and professional degree programs. Part-time or full-time study options are available.

CORE CLASSES (general and academic English):
Core Classes meet 18 hours per week. General English is taught at the lower proficiency levels to give students a strong foundation. At higher proficiency levels, both General and Academic English classes are offered. Academic English classes give students the language and skills necessary for university study.

IEP General English:
Students in General English Core Classes develop the grammatical knowledge, vocabulary, and language skills to be fluent and accurate in English. Using relevant and interesting materials including magazines, the internet, audio, and video, students improve their reading and listening skills. Writing lessons include compositions such as stories, articles, and blogs in the students’ areas of interest. Through stimulating group work and presentations, they develop their speaking skills and improve their pronunciation. Skills and grammar classes are fully integrated and coordinated in order to make learning more effective and efficient.

IEP Academic English:
Students in Academic English Core Classes develop the grammatical knowledge, vocabulary, and language skills to be fluent and accurate upon entering undergraduate or graduate degree programs in the United States. Students improve their reading and listening skills through analysis and practice with academic texts and lectures. Writing lessons focus on academic essay writing, research, and critical thinking and analysis. Through group work and presentations, students develop their ability to participate in an academic classroom setting and improve their pronunciation. As with the General English Core Classes, skills and grammar classes are fully integrated and coordinated in order to make learning more effective and efficient.

OPTIONAL CLASSES:
Optional Classes are offered in addition to the Core Classes. They focus on particular areas of student interest and need. They include topics in General and Academic English and of interest to specific professions. They are proficiency-level specific. The following Optional Classes are currently being offered:

Pronunciation and Accent Training:
Participants improve their intelligibility through diagnosis of problem areas and intensive instruction and feedback from instructors.

Improving Listening Skills through Video & Music:
Students improve their listening and their ability to study autonomously through the mediums of video and music. Video lessons are adapted to Academic English though use of recorded lectures and documentaries.

Intercultural Communication:
International students learn about and reflect on cultural differences among themselves and between their cultures and that of the United States. Communication strategies are practiced. At the same time, English language skills are practiced through reading, listening, speaking, and writing about culture.

Study Skills for Academic Success:
Students focus on obtaining and improving study skills such as time management, note taking, library research, interacting in class, organizing study groups, and working with advisors and professors. Differences between the American university environment and that of other countries are investigated.

TOEFL iBT Exam Preparation: Focus on Writing & Speaking:
The Test of English as a Foreign Language (administered by Educational Testing Service ETS) is a standardized exam required for non-native English speakers applying for college admission in the United States. Preparation is extremely useful in order for applicants to master the examination. In our main class, students practice all areas of the exam. In the Focus on Writing & Speaking class, students receive crucial feedback on these skills.

SAT Exam Preparation:
The SAT Reasoning Test (administered by Educational Testing Service ETS) is a standardized exam required for undergraduate college admissions in the United States, regardless of English language proficiency. The exam consists of mathematics, critical reading, and writing. Preparation is extremely useful in order for applicants to master the examination.

GRE Exam Preparation:
The Graduate Record Examination (administered by Educational Testing Service ETS) is a standardized exam required for graduate college admissions in the United States, regardless of English language proficiency. The exam tests abstract thinking skills in math, vocabulary, and analytical writing. Preparation is extremely useful in order for applicants to master the examination.

Business Reading & Writing:
With separate sections designed for pre-service business undergraduates and business people, this class helps participants improve their ability to read various business documents efficiently. They practice writing effective business emails, memos, letters, and reports.

Business Speaking & Listening:
With separate sections designed for pre-service business undergraduates and business people, this class helps participants improve their ability to communicate in meetings, on the telephone, in negotiations, and in presentations.

Business TOEIC Exam Preparation:
The Test of English for International Communication (administered by Educational Testing Service ETS) is a popular Business English examination for non-native English speakers worldwide. Preparation is extremely useful in order for applicants to master the examination. Students will practice all areas of the exam.

Corporate Tutoring:
A particular specialty of the ELCI program is the ability to design and execute language training customized to the particular needs of clients in a variety of industries. For years, the ELCI has tutored employees at a variety of international and American companies in the central Alabama region. These companies have chosen to invest in particular employees – from management to executive level – in order to facilitate improvement in the employees’ English proficiency.

The ELCI has tutored customers in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, hospitality, telephone customer service, and healthcare. For each tutoring contract, ELCI tutors assess a client’s needs, design materials for tutoring, execute tutoring using best practices in their field, and create progress reports to notify the company of the status of the tutoring session. Preparation of particular industry certification can also be performed during tutoring sessions.

The particular branch of English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction dedicated to creating customer-centered language training for employees in a particular industry is called English for Specific Purposes (ESP). All ELCI instructors have years of training in ESP, and several instructors have given international presentations on ESP best practices. The ELCI has years of experience and expertise in this particular field, and this expertise is available to help NNES employees at your company succeed.