Berklee College of Music

School Introduction

Berklee is located in the heart of Boston's Fenway Cultural District. An international hub of intellectual and creative activity, Boston hosts many of the world's other great college and universities (and an estimated 240, 000 students), and numerous museums, galleries, and world-class performing arts centers. Boston's music scene is alive throughout the summer, with events at parks, concert halls, clubs, theaters, and special music festivals.

Berklee attracts students from all over the world, who come to explore contemporary music in the country where jazz and other styles of music originated. Berklee's international student population is the largest of any private college in the United States. Berklee draws students from across the United States and from 70 divergent countries, providing you a chance to learn from students with backgrounds as varied as those encountered by professionals in the music industry.

ESL Program Introduction

Berklee’s International Musicians’ English Language Institute (IMELI) is a six-week program created to prepare you for academic life in an American college or university. Using contemporary music as the context, the program will help improve your communication skills in all areas: speaking, listening, reading and writing. However, the program teaches much more than English language. It allows you to be part of Berklee’s music community, while experiencing life in Boston. Students will be able to take part in a series of group activities that will complement the classroom experience. Activities include trips to area attractions, going to movies, participating in student clubs, and more. These activities are designed to provide closer insight into cultural aspects of the English language in a relaxed and fun way. Personal attention, close interaction with instructors, weekly jam sessions, and extracurricular events will all help prepare you to enter the full-time semester with confidence. IMELI is open to all, but is especially for students who have applied for or are planning to apply for full-time study at Berklee.

Background Data

• Number of ESL Students: 35
• Average Class Size: 7-9
• Hours per Week: 20
• Minimum Age: 17
• Issue I-20: Yes
• Housing Options: Dormitory 
• School Setting:  Urban 
• Accreditation: Berklee College of Music is a nonprofit, coeducational institution of higher learning incorporated under the General Laws of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The college is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, and authorized under federal law to enroll nonimmigrant alien students and to train veterans under the G.I. Bill of Rights. Information in this publication is accurate as of date of issuance. The right is reserved to make changes in detail as circumstances require.

Schedule & Fees

Application fee - (nonrefundable) $50
Registration Fee - $35
Comprehensive Fee - $150
Tuition - $4, 645
Housing - $3, 175

Special Courses & Features

Housing/Accommodation Info

After we process your application for admission, you will be sent a housing application and additional information. Space is limited. Acceptance to the program does not guarantee a residence hall space. Housing applications are mailed to accepted students until the residence halls are full. Berklee housing includes a meal plan; however, prepare for extra meal costs throughout the program. For alternative housing options, contact the Office of Special Programs at 617 747-2245 or summer@berklee.edu.

Contact Info

Office of Special Programs
Berklee College of Music
Berklee College of Music
1140 Boylston Street, MS-155
Boston, Massachusetts 02215-3693, U.S.A.

Tel 617-747-2245
Fax 617-262-5419
Website