Welcome to the ELI!

     

Thank you for your interest in the English Language Institute (ELI) at Jacksonville State University (JSU). The English Language Institute is located on the campus of JSU in Jacksonville, Alabama, which lies only 1 ½ hour’s drive west of Atlanta, Georgia. The University is a public institution of more than 9,200 students, and it is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.

The ELI is a non-credit institute set up to assist non-native English speakers who want to learn English for academic and professional purposes. The classes are designed for people who have an interest in studying at universities and colleges in the United States. However, people who would like to come for a short-term American study experience in order to improve their English are also encouraged to attend the Institute. 




Why study at the JSU English Language Institute?
  • Jacksonville offers you the opportunity to speak English with Americans, both on campus and in the community.
  • There are significant financial advantages for you when learning English at JSU. The advantages are low tuition cost, no mandatory student fees, and Jacksonville’s low cost of living.
  • The ELI staff is focused on making your overall experience as positive as possible.
  • Your teachers will be caring, professional, and experienced.
  • The Institute is in a newly renovated location and it is equipped with the latest technology. We have "smart" classrooms and a new language/ computer lab.
  • You will find that Jacksonville is very safe and its people are extremely friendly.
  • If you are a person who likes nature and outdoor activities, the JSU campus is just a ten minute drive from a state park and the campus has a biking trail that runs directly through it. 
  • If you like sports, there are several excellent golf courses in the area, as well as many on-campus sports (soccer, football, basketball, tennis, etc.) for participants and spectators.
  • The ELI offers you a variety of activities such as outings to Atlanta, picnics, and field trips that provide excellent opportunities to get to know other students.
  • You can earn certificates of completion and attendance at our session ending ceremonies.
  • We have a little bit of everything for everyone!

Eligibility Requirements
The only eligibility requirements of the Institute are that you have graduated high school in your home country before you study at the ELI (simply bring a copy of your high school degree or academic record upon your arrival in Jacksonville) and that you are at least age 17 at the time of your application.

Schedule and Levels
The ELI schedule is made up of six sessions per year consisting of two 6-week intensive sessions (25+ hours instruction per week) in the summer semester and two 7 1/2-week sessions (20+ hours instruction per week) in the fall and spring semesters, respectively. Each session represents one level of study. Students who are interested in a short-term experience may choose to attend for a full session or even for a half session.

There are a total of four levels in our program. The levels consist of the following:

Level 1- Beginning
Level 2- Intermediate
Level 3- High Intermediate
Level 4- Advanced