Intensive English Program

Learn English in Music City USA

The Intensive English Center (IEC) is housed within Tennessee State University, a historically black university (HBCU) located in Nashville, TN. TSU is Nashville’s only urban and comprehensive public university, as well as middle Tennessee’s first public Carnegie Doctoral/Research institution.

The IEC provides English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction to international students who

• seek admission to TSU’s undergraduate and graduate programs and other higher education institutions in the U.S.
• want to improve their English to advance in their careers
• aim to develop their language skills so that they can communicate better with their friends, family, and colleagues

The IEC is accredited by CEA (the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation) and is a member of the English USA (the American Association of Intensive English Programs).

Why IEC?

• High-quality program: The Intensive English Program is accredited by CEA and is the only accredited program in Tennessee.
• Strong faculty: Professors at the IEC have advanced degrees in teaching English and have years of experience.
• High achievement rate: 90% of students successfully complete levels and programs of study.
• Admission to TSU: Completing Level 7 and Level 8 satisfies language requirements for undergraduate and graduate programs. No need for TOEFL or IELTS score.
• Unique learning environment: The IEC is located at TSU’s main campus, which offers a distinct campus experience for all students.
• Social and cultural activities: The IEC organizes various activities for its students. Also, IEC students have access to TSU campus activities and resources.
• Vibrant city: Nashville is one of the fastest-growing cities in the U.S. and is known as Music City USA.

Student Services

The IEC provides a wide range of student services including visa and travel guidance, pre-arrival and ongoing orientation, immigration and academic advising, support with integration in Nashville and the U.S. culture, extra-curricular activities, assistance with admission to TSU undergraduate and graduate programs as well as post-completion support. IEC students are also provided with access to TSU campus services, facilities, and events, such as social and recreational activities, basic health services, food and beverage options, etc., typically available to TSU degree-seeking students. Considering the wide range of challenges that international students may potentially face in a foreign culture, IEC Administrators and Faculty have an accommodating approach to identify, address and provide unanticipated areas of student services.

Intensive English Program (IEP)

The IEP is a 10-level ESL program designed according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) from A1.1 to C1.2. There are 30 courses in the curriculum, which are categorized in three main streams; Integrated Skills (10 levels), Reading and Writing (8 levels), Listening and Speaking (8 levels) as well as 4 specialized courses at higher levels. A calendar year is divided into 6 IEC terms each of which lasts 7 weeks and consists of 154 instructional hours. Successful completion of IEP level 7 serves as proof of language competency for admission for TSU undergraduate programs and IEP level 8 for TSU graduate programs, respectively.

Program structure

• 30 courses in 10 Levels (CEFR A1 to C1)
• 7-week terms & 154 hours of instruction
• 22-hours of class every week Monday to Friday from 9 am to 1 pm.
• 6 start times every year
• $2,400 tuition
• Special discounts for siblings and referrals