Portland State University

School Introduction

Portland State University is Oregon's largest university, offering more than 120 areas of study. Over 24, 000 students attend PSU, including over 1000 international students from 90+ countries. PSU is nationally recognized as a leader and innovator in service and community-based learning. Other programs that have received national attention include: Urban Development, Social Work, Public Health, Studies on Aging, and Sustainability.

PSU is located in the heart of beautiful downwtown Portland, a scenic, green, clean, and safe city. The PSU campus is surrounded by charming aprtment buildings, shops, and green spaces. Students can easily walk or take public transportation everywhere.

Portland is the largest city in Oregon with a population of 1, 800, 000. It is ideally located 90-minutes from both the mountains and the Oregon coast, and just 3 hours from Seattle.

ESL Program Introduction

Founded in 1964, the English Language Program (IELP) at Portland State University is the oldest university-based ESL program in the western USA. Each term students from over 20 countries attend the IELP. The IELP offers a 5-level program (beginning - advanced), with courses offered quarter. Courses include: Speaking/Listening, Reading, Writing, Grammar, and Elective and Special Interest classes such as TOEFL prep, American Life, pronunciation, vocabulary building, presentation skills, etc. IELP students who successfully complete level 5 and receive recommendation by the Academic Coordinator can enroll in regular PSU courses.

No TOEFL score is needed for admission to the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) or for admission to PSU. PSU offers "conditional admission" to international students who are academically admissible, but who lack or have a low TOEFL score. Students without or with low TOEFL scores are referred to ESL classes in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP).

IELP students enjoy complete immersion and integration on the PSU campus. ESL classes are held in regular PSU classrooms located throughout the campus. As students walk between classes, eat in the cafeteria, study in the library or computer lab, or play in the gym they intermingle daily with the mainstream PSU student body.

All IELP students can receive a PSU student ID card, and have access to all university facilities, resources, activities, and events. The IELP Activities Office also plans numerous social and recreational activities for IELP students.

Background Data

• Number of ESL Students: 150 - 225
• Average Class Size: 15
• Hours per Week: 18
• Minimum Age: 17
• Issue I-20: Yes
• Housing Options: Homestay  Dormitory  Apartment
• School Setting:  Urban 
• Accreditation: Northwest Association of Schools and Colleges, Commission on Colleges.

Schedule & Fees

Summer: June 20 - August 10, 2005 (8 weeks)
Fall: September 26 - December 7, 2005 (11 weeks)
Winter: January 9 - March 24, 2006 (11 weeks)
Spring: April 5 - June 16, 2006 (11 weeks)

Tuition: $2700 (11 weeks); $2400 (8 weeks)
Application Fee: $100
Housing: approximately $600 per month

Special Courses & Features

• Conversation Partner Program
• Public Speaking Courses
• TOEFL Preparation Courses

Contact Info

Intensive English Language Program (IELP)
Portland State University
PO Box 751
Portland, Oregon 97207

Tel 503-725-4088
Fax 503-725-4139
Website