Academic Programs
The IEI prepares English Language Learners for educational and professional success by teaching an integrated curriculum that mixes speaking, reading, writing, and listening at all levels. The Intensive English Program curriculum is based on the CEFR and is used for placement testing, course design, and the assessment of student achievement.
There are four different levels of courses: A2-Level 1, B1-Level 2, B2- Level 3, C1- Level 4. A student’s level is determined by placement testing. Student movement up through the different levels is determined by ongoing assessment of student learning outcomes and progress testing.
IEI courses
IEI courses are based on a paired skills model with two courses in each level per session.
The Oral Communication classes focus on:
- Developing and improving listening comprehension and note-taking skills
- Expanding academic and social vocabulary
- Generating, developing, and organizing ideas for speaking tasks to give presentations and participate in classroom discussions.
- Improving oral fluency and pronunciation
The Academic Reading and Writing classes focus on:
- Developing the skills and confidence to approach academic texts
- Developing key academic reading skills
- Expanding academic vocabulary
- Evaluating text construction.
- Developing academic writing skill through written practice
Core Intensive English Program
The UMaine Intensive English Institute’s primary focus is to help students succeed in their academic studies while teaching them how to speak, read, and write in English with confidence and proficiency.
Maine Bridge Program
The Maine Bridge Program provides an opportunity for students that have received academic admission (conditional admission) to a UMaine undergraduate degree program, but whose English language scores are below 550 (TOEFL ITP), 79 (TOEFL IBT), or 6.5 (IELTS) necessary for full-time enrollment.
Learn more about the IEI Bridge Scholarship
HyFlex Course Program
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.
IEI 99 – Academic Writing for Graduate Students
Community English
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 to improve their listening and speaking communication skills.
Custom Short-Term Program
The IEI offers the ability to create a custom short program to suit the needs and budget of your school, business, or organization featuring custom curriculums, flexible schedules, customizable cultural activities, and potential partnerships with other departments at the University of Maine.