Our Mission
To provide students the language support and cultural knowledge needed to be successful in achieving their educational and career goals.
Academic Programs
Core Intensive English Program
This program offers 18-20 hours of English instruction a week paired with social and cultural activities. Each IEI session is 8 weeks which provides you, the learner with up to 160 hours to improve your English language skills. To maximize learning, we recommend that students apply for two IEI sessions which is one full university semester.
Maine Bridge Program
The Maine Bridge program is for students who have received conditional admission to the University of Maine. It is available for both undergraduate and graduate students. Students who have achieved 71 TOEFL (IBT) or 5.5 IELTS can enroll in UMaine academic classes and continue taking IEI classes part-time.
Learn more about the IEI Bridge Scholarship
Hybrid Course Delivery
All of our courses are offered with hybrid instruction to integrate learners who are attending IEI from somewhere else in Maine, another U.S. state, or from another country. Students who have enrolled as an F-1 visa holder are required to attend all of their IEI classes in person.
Custom Short-term Programs
We offer custom short-term program to suit the needs and budget of your school, business or organization featuring custom curriculum, flexible schedule, customizable cultural activities, and partnerships with other departments at the University of Maine.
Community English Program
New program offered by the Intensive English Institute (IEI) to UMaine students and Orono and Old Town community members. Designed for non-native speakers of English. Improve your listening and speaking communication skills.
IEI 99 – Academic Writing for Graduate Students
Academic Schedule
Spring B 2023
Arrival Day: March 16
Orientation: March 17
Classes Start: March 20
Classes End: May 5
Summer 2023
Arrival Day: June 1
Orientation: June 2
Classes Start: June 5
Classes End: July 28
Fall A 2023
Arrival Day: August 22
Orientation: August 23-25
Classes Start: August 28
Classes End: October 20
Fall B 2023
Arrival Day: October 19
Orientation: October 20
Classes Start: October 23
Classes End: December 15
IEI Scholarship
All international applicants to the Intensive English Institute are considered at the time of application for this international scholarship valued up to US$2,000 per academic year. Students who are conditionally admitted to UMaine are also eligible for this scholarship.
University of Maine System employees and their dependents can take IEI classes and use the employee dependent tuition waiver benefits to cover the cost. Contact us at um.iei@maine.edu for more information.
UMaine graduate students can use assistantship or fellowship funding to take IEI courses, if approved by their advisor.
Campus Life
The University of Maine campus offers comfortable housing and healthy meals. Students can apply for housing and a dining plan once admitted. Students exercise in the New Balance Recreation Center and participate in many campus activities.
Cultural trips
At IEI, we want students to integrate their knowledge of the English language into more than just an academic setting.
To achieve this goal, we offer students trips around Maine to learn about the history and culture of the State.
Students will have the opportunity to apply their communication skills in real time while creating lasting memories and friendships with their classmates.
