English Language Learners
Susquehanna University’s English Language Learners (ELL) program is an intensive academic English program designed to prepare students for success in college. Once students have mastered all aspects of academic English—writing, reading, speaking, listening and test-taking—they become eligible for admission into one of our many bachelor’s degree programs. Successful completion of the program may waive the requirement to take the IELTS or TOEFL exam for Susquehanna’s English language admission criteria.
Serving students from beginner to advanced proficiency levels, the Intensive English Program (IEP) offers six seven-week terms per academic year—two in the fall, two in the spring and two in the summer. With 28 hours of weekly instruction, students strengthen their vocabulary, grammar, speaking and listening comprehension through enrichment courses, conversation groups, tutoring and intercultural development activities.
Curriculum
Susquehanna University’s IEP includes assessment and strategic placement based on each student’s English proficiency level. Students enroll in a full-time, intensive English curriculum with 28 hours of direct instruction per week to develop essential language skills.
Core Competencies
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Speak English fluently in both formal and informal settings.
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Improve listening and comprehension skills to enhance participation and understanding in university-level lectures.
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Write structured, grammatically correct essays that are clear and effective.
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Develop strong academic writing skills, ensuring organization, clarity and appropriate style for various tasks, purposes and audiences.
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Enhance oral communication and pronunciation to deliver clear messages.
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Use English effectively in diverse social and academic contexts.
Conditional Admission
Students who meet all academic admission requirements but have not yet met the minimum TOEFL (80) or IELTS (6) scores may receive conditional admission to Susquehanna University’s undergraduate programs. To apply for conditional admission, complete our international application to receive a conditional acceptance letter, which is contingent on successful completion of the ELL program. Students should complete the program within one year or less, and upon meeting the required English proficiency and GPA, they are automatically accepted into their degree program.
ELL Application
Pathway Program
Susquehanna University’s Pathway program offers international students the opportunity to enhance their English language skills through ELL courses while earning academic credits toward a bachelor’s degree. Students applying to the Pathway program must meet all other requirements for attending Susquehanna except for the English proficiency.
The difference between Pathway and our ELL program is the opportunity for students to take credit-bearing courses and ELL courses simultaneously. Students are required to have a minimum TOEFL IBT 53, IELTS 4.5. Students without the minimum requirements will only be placed in the ELL program.
All international students are required to study full-time; therefore, students enrolling in the Pathway program will take a full session of ELL courses and 1-4 credits per semester depending on their English level.
Learning Outcomes
Students who have completed the Pathway program will be able to:
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Speak English fluently in formal and informal situations.
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Gain listening and comprehension skills to improve participation and understanding during university level lectures.
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Write effective, structured and grammatically correct essays.
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Develop clear and coherent writing in which the development, organization and style are appropriate to the given task, purpose and audience.
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Improve oral communication skills and pronunciation to convey clear messages to audience/listeners.
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Use English effectively and appropriately in a variety of social contexts.
Campus Resources
As a Susquehanna University ELL student, you’re not just a student. You’re a member of the Susquehanna community. Enjoy on-campus housing, meal plans and access to state-of-the-art facilities like the Garret Sports Complex and Blough-Weis Library. Participate in a vibrant campus life, attending events, concerts and club meetings. Leverage academic resources like free Wi-Fi, computer labs and tutoring services to enhance your studies. Immerse yourself in the university experience and make the most of your time at Susquehanna.
Tutoring
The International Student Services office offers free tutoring services for non-native English speakers. Our experienced tutors can assist with a range of academic needs, including understanding assignments, writing papers and practicing presentations. To access these services, students can schedule appointments with official tutors or connect with tutors from the Education Department’s English Language Learners Education course.
