General Information About the English Language Institute

The University of Utah's English Language Institute (ELI) provides intensive and non-intensive courses designed to meet the English language needs of non-native speakers and members of the university's international community (see courses HERE). The academic full-time program consists of five eight-week sessions. Short terms of study are available to visitors from around the world during the summer. Summer participants can choose from several options, from non-intensive four-week courses to culture and travel sessions. Additionally, ELI offers short workshops for teachers of English and business professionals. Special programs can be designed upon request. Certificates of completion are awarded to students at the end of their studies.

Here is some basic information about our program and the state of Utah:

Population of Utah: 2,500,000
Student population at the University of Utah: 28,600
Average number of current students in our program: 120
Number of countries represented: 17
Average Class size: 13

Transportation
The ELI is located in the Annex Building on the main campus of the University of Utah, on the east side of Salt Lake City (see map. It is a three-story building just east of the Huntsman Sports Center). You can reach the campus several ways from Salt Lake City International Airport using public transportation. In either case, be sure to check current schedules and fares before using them. Visit this web site before arriving in Utah for directions to campus.

1. Take a taxi. The fare is about $20. Two major companies are City Cab Company at 801-363-5550 or Yellow Cab at 801-521-2100. You may call them from the airport and they will pick you up. Local phone calls usually cost 50 cents. Or you can find taxis waiting outside the baggage claim area at the airport.
2. Take a UTA public bus. Buses (Route 50) travel between the airport and downtown Salt Lake City (fare: $1.50). You can transfer there to one of several buses that go to the University of Utah area, including Route 52 (University of Utah). The phone number for bus information is 801-743-3882. Their website is www.rideuta.com.

If you are driving, you can follow these directions:

Take airport exit to I-80 eastbound. Stay in the right-hand lane. Exit at North Temple. Drive east about eight miles to State Street. Turn right. Drive about five blocks south and turn left on Fourth South Street. Go straight until 1580 East and turn left 1/2 block to South Campus Drive. Turn right and drive until you reach the Annex building on the left side of the street. It is one building east of the domed Huntsman Center (stadium).

Orientation
New students are required to attend a student orientation before the semester begins. There is a $25.00 placement testing fee.

The purpose of the orientation is to help you learn more about the program and the university, determine your English proficiency level, and decide your class schedule that best fits your level and needs. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

You will also meet many of the instructors, and you will take a short tour of the campus. You will register for classes during this time, so it is important that you have payment ready for the semester's tuition (cash, traveler's checks, and credit cards are accepted.)

During the orientation you will learn more about the program and the university. You will also learn about American educational style and classroom behavior. You will be briefed on the use of the ELI computer lab and will learn about your SEVIS I-20 and how to keep you F-1 visa status. Finally, you will be tested to determine your English proficiency level and will be interviewed by faculty to help you decide the class schedule that best meets your needs. There will be plenty of opportunities to ask questions.

Remember that you will be registering and paying for your classes during this time, so it is important that you have your payment ready for your first session tuition and the $25 orientation and testing fee. (Cash, credit cards or traveler's checks are accepted.)

Session Dates:
For the latest information on dates and costs, please follow this link.

APPLICATIONS MUST BE COMPLETE ONE MONTH BEFORE THE START OF THE SESSION
You should apply at least two months in advance of the session you choose to start your English study. Applications completed after the deadline may not give you enough time to obtain your visa depending on the visa wait time in your country. In this case, your I-20 would have to be express mailed to you at your expense. To find out the visa wait time for your country, visit this State Dept. page. If you cannot get your visa within four weeks and still arrive in time for the beginning of school, then you should ask us to defer your I-20 until the next session.

[NOTE: Although there is no official deadline for applying to the ELI program, prospective students should send their application materials no later than two months before the session begins. Contact the ELI if you need to register late.]

F-1 students are expected to attend a minimum of two sessions at ELI before transferring to another language school. Students may continue their enrollment for as many sessions as necessary to reach their goals. This new schedule provides more opportunities for you to enroll in different courses at the higher levels as your English improves. We hope that you will find this schedule meets your needs and helps you to progress more quickly toward your goals.

Dormitory housing is available for full-time (I-20) students through the Office of Residential Living. Applicants who want information about campus housing should request it on the application form, but you will need to contact the Office of Residential Living directly for rooms (IMPORTANT: You will need a university ID number to make a reservation in the Housing Computer System. Please request an ID number by email from the ELI office):

Office of Residential Living
University of Utah Office of Residential Living
5 Heritage Center
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
Phone 801-587-2002
Fax 801-585-3591
E-Mail: housing@orl.utah.edu

Housing is also available through a Homestay company.

It is the students' responsibility to arrange their own housing while attending the English Language Institute. Off-campus housing and limited homestay accommodations are available near the campus. Check the International Center's Housing Guide for other possibilities.

All students attending ELI are highly recommended to have medical insurance. Students may purchase insurance in their own countries and bring proof of coverage in the U.S. with them, or they may purchase student medical insurance available to University of Utah students. The cost of buying insurance here varies according to length and level of coverage. Currently, the cost is approximately (for one person for one year) $100 per month; the summer is $137. Contact the Student Health Services office for more information:

Student Health Service
Madsen Health Center Level 1
555 Foothill Boulevard
Salt Lake City, Utah 84112
TEL: 801-581-6431