Academics

The University of Memphis offers non-credit intensive English language study for university-bound students as well as others who wish to become proficient in English for personal or professional reasons. We offer five 8-week sessions during the academic year with starting dates in January, March, June, August, and October. Classes are small and designed to develop communication and academic skills in English through speaking, listening, reading, and writing.

We offer six levels of instruction, from beginning to advanced. However, students are expected to have a basic knowledge of English upon entering. New students are tested at the beginning of each session and placed at the appropriate level. Full-time students study 23 hours per week. F-1 students must enroll full-time. Students who do not have an F-1 visa may attend full- or part-time. The director can help such students choose appropriate classes.

Reading/ Writing and Grammar classes meet every morning Monday through Friday. Afternoon classes, which meet Monday through Thursday, include listening/ speaking classes and modules. The program is designed to be rigorous and challenging. Students are expected to work diligently to improve their English. However, there is also time for fun and friendship, including field trips to area sites. 

If you are interested in studying with us, please click here to complete and submit an application.

Student Life

While studying in our program requires a lot of time and effort, there are still many opportunities to have fun and enjoy your time in Memphis. Living on campus with University of Memphis students is a great way to practice your English. Do you like swimming, basketball or yoga? The Student Recreation Center is a great place to play and exercise, and it is free for you as an IEI student at UM. You can eat on campus, too.

Join us for our Friday events, including Friday Feasts at area restaurants, trips downtown to watch NBA games featuring the Memphis Grizzlies, or evenings playing games in an American home.  Make friends with an American UM student through our Conversation Partners program or get to know an American Family through our Friendship Families program. Join student organizations for weekend events, discussion tables, and trips. Take time to explore Memphis - its music, culture, food, and people. We want your study in Memphis to be the experience of a lifetime!