| Program start date | Application deadline |
| 2026-01-12 | - |
| 2027-01-12 | - |
Program Overview
Intensive English Program
The Rice University Intensive English Program offers 20 hours of daytime classes each week for students and working professionals with at least high-intermediate proficiency in English.
Program Description
The Intensive English Program offers non-credit daytime courses designed to help learners improve their English language and cultural skills for professional, social, or academic purposes. Our integrated-skills curriculum combines listening, speaking, reading, writing, and grammar to build both fluency and accuracy in spoken and written English.
Class Structure
Classes are small, averaging 10 students, so everyone receives individual attention and plenty of opportunities to practice. The exact schedule of classes is determined by student enrollment. Students are assigned class days and times based on their proficiency levels.
Who is this Program For?
- Students looking for a full-time program
- Students with a minimum high-intermediate level (B2) of English proficiency
- People who want to improve their English for work, everyday communication, or academic study in the United States
- Family members of Rice students/staff living in Houston who want to improve their English and make local friends
- Students who want to take English classes during the day
Program Information
- We offer six daytime sessions each year. Each session lasts seven weeks with 20 hours of class per week
- Classes meet Monday through Friday, between 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. or 1:00-5:00 p.m. on the Rice University campus
- Students should be ready for either a morning or afternoon schedule, which is assigned by the program director
Course Information
Students in the Intensive English Program are required to enroll in 20 hours of classes each week. This includes two core classes which meet for a total of 4 hours each day Monday-Thursday and two elective classes which meet for a total of 4 hours on Friday.
Core Classes
- For students in Levels 5 and 6: Comprehensive Skills and Academic Preparation
- For students in the advanced level: special topics courses focused on themes such as Presentations & Pronunciation, American Culture, Business English, and TOEFL/IELTS Preparation
Elective Courses
Friday elective courses are mixed proficiency classes with topics such as Speaking Lab and Digital Literacy Skills.
Sample Schedule
| MONDAY |TUESDAY |WEDNESDAY |THURSDAY |FRIDAY
---|---|---|---|---|---
8:30-10:20 a.m. | Comprehensive Skills (Levels 5-6) | Comprehensive Skills (Levels 5-6) | Comprehensive Skills (Levels 5-6) | Comprehensive Skills (Levels 5-6) | Speaking Lab
10:40 a.m.-12:30 p.m. | Academic Preparation Skills (Levels 5-6) | Academic Preparation Skills (Levels 5-6) | Academic Preparation Skills (Levels 5-6) | Academic Preparation Skills (Levels 5-6) | Digital Literacy Skills
-OR-
1:00-2:50 p.m. | Advanced Level Special Topics 1 | Advanced Level Special Topics 1 | Advanced Level Special Topics 1 | Advanced Level Special Topics 1 | Speaking Lab
3:10-5:00 p.m. | Advanced Level Special Topics 2 | Advanced Level Special Topics 2 | Advanced Level Special Topics 2 | Advanced Level Special Topics 2 | Digital Literacy Skills
Program Instructors
Intensive English Program instructors are experienced professionals with advanced degrees. They use the latest methods in language learning and teaching and incorporate current articles, videos, and other technology to keep lessons engaging and relevant.
Intensive English Program Levels
Levels 5-6 (B2 - C1)
At these levels, students build fluency and accuracy while also preparing for professional, personal, or academic success. Students will practice essay writing, develop critical reading skills, and sharpen their listening and note-taking abilities.
Advanced Level (C1+)
For students whose English is already strong, the advanced level offers the chance to explore specialized topics like public speaking, pronunciation, current events, business English, and more. Students may enroll in the Advanced Level more than one time with a different curriculum each time.