Semi-Intensive English Program
The Semi-Intensive English Program (SIEP) is designed for non-native English speakers who want to learn American English focusing on an integrative approach in reading, writing, listening and speaking, and grammar skills.
With courses available on Saturdays, this part-time program offers levels from Basic to Advanced and Electives. Elective courses include but are not limited to Conversation, Reading, Writing, Business English, Listening, Speaking, Grammar, Pronunciation, and TOEFL Test Prep.
- Classes are scheduled Saturdays from 9:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
- At the end of each session, participants receive a final evaluation of their performance in the program, and those who successfully complete the requirements receive a Certificate of Completion.
Admission Requirements
- Participants must be 18 years or older and have completed high school or equivalent.
- U.S. Citizens or Resident Aliens should bring their birth certificate, resident alien card, or employment authorization letter.
- International Students must apply for an F-1 visa.
Application Process
- Submit Program Application
- Upon application completion, you will receive a link to process the English Placement Test (EPT) payment, $75 Fee, Non-Refundable. EPT test is valid for 6 months.
- Upon completion of the English Placement Test you will be placed in a level based on your results. You will receive a link to complete tuition payment via TouchNet.
- If the level is not available, program staff will advise on available options.
- Textbook fees vary depending on level. Information will be sent via email after tuition has been completed.
Meningitis Vaccine
- All new participants under the age of 22 must submit evidence of receiving the meningitis vaccine or booster shot (administered within the past five years) or evidence of exemption before they can enroll. Participants must provide proof of vaccination 10 days before the first day of the program.
Program Details:
I-20 Eligibility Requirements
- Statement of account with sufficient funds to cover tuition, books, housing, and health insurance.
- Copy of passport (must be valid for at least 6 months)
- If requirements are met, an email with your I-20 form will be sent by one of our Designated School Officials.
- The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement requires all foreign students to complete an 1-901 fee before making an appointment at the U.S. Consulate.
- Fee $350
- Please save and print your payment receipt.
- Complete Online Nonimmigrant Visa Application – Form DS-160
- Schedule a visa interview appointment.
- Pay the visa application processing fee of $185. Review country-specific instructions on the U.S. Embassy or Consulate website.
- This exemption only applies to participants who successfully complete the Advanced level in the Intensive English Program.
Session Transfers
- Transfers to another session are Not Allowed without prior approval.
- We require a written request emailed to pewd@utrgv.edu three business days prior to the start date of the course.
- It takes five to seven business days to process refunds for credit/debit card payments.
Mr. James Harris
Ms. Christina Marrero
Ms. Helena Nunes
Ms. RoseAnn Castillo
Program Levels:
The beginner levels are designed for those who speak little or no English and help participants gain confidence in their ability to speak English. These levels will introduce participants to the fundamental concepts of English overall and enable them to function and survive in an English-speaking environment through the development of simple conversation and listening skills, learning about basic grammar concepts, such as the simple present tense, gaining basic vocabulary, reading simple passages, as well as writing phrases or simple sentences. Participants who complete and meet the course requirements can move up to intermediate levels.
- Basic II
- Low Beginning
- High Beginning
The intermediate levels are designed for participants who can speak some English, but who may need help with expanding their vocabulary or speech in addition to other skills or areas. The levels will help participants gain confidence in their ability to speak English more fluently. For example, concepts covered in this level can be the modal auxiliaries or present perfect. Participants will gain a higher vocabulary and be able to express themselves in everyday situations, read varied passages, as well as write sentences. Participants who complete and meet the course requirements can move up to advanced levels.
- Intermediate
- High Intermediate
The advanced levels are designed for participants who are relatively fluent, but who may need to enhance their vocabulary or speech in addition to other skills or areas. The levels are designed to help participants gain confidence in their ability to speak English in a more proficient manner. These levels will cover concepts such as reported speech or question tags. Participants will gain higher vocabulary and be able to express themselves in diverse situations, gain higher vocabulary, listen and understand to various conversations, read varied passages, as well as be able to write paragraphs.
- Low Advanced
- High Advanced
- Advanced 1
- Advanced 2
- Listening & Speaking I
- Listening & Speaking II
- Electives: Conversation, Reading, Writing, Business English, Grammar, Pronunciation, and TOEFL Test Prep.
Course Information
For more information, book an online appointment with an advisor today!
Registration Deadline:
May 22, 2024 at 4 p.m
Dates:
May 25 - July 13, 2024
Duration:
8 Weeks
Times:
Saturdays 9:00 a.m - 2:00 p.m
Session:
Summer 2024
Upcoming Session Start Dates:
- August 10, 2024
- October 12, 2024
- January 25, 2025
- April 5, 2025
- June 14, 2025
Levels:
Edinburg CESS Building
Instructor: Ms. Christina Marrero
- Low Advanced
Instructor: Mr. James Harris
- Advanced I B
Brownsville St. Joseph Academy
Instructor: Ms. Rose Ann Castillo
- Advanced I B
Cost:
$ 549 (Required textbook is not included in cost)
