English Language Institute
“It is our mission to provide English language instruction of the highest quality, in which people can learn to their full potential, develop a deeper understanding of the United States, and always receive courteous and knowledgeable service.”
Our English Language programs are developed for students who have high-beginning to advanced English proficiency. We offer general English programs with structured skill-building and high-interest conversation, as well as academic English, and English for specific purposes. Our 4-week and long-term English programs are CEA-accredited.*
The UC San Diego English Language Institute (ELI) offers courses throughout the year to students who are 18 years of age and older. Testing before beginning the program determines your class placement. UC San Diego English Language Institute (ELI) offers 8 levels of instruction. You will progress to the next level when you meet specific language skill requirements. Our proficiency levels for our short-term and 8-week programs describe the expected learning outcomes at each level.
Students must demonstrate a minimum high-beginner level of proficiency in order to participate in group classes. Students who do not qualify for full participation in English language programs will be scheduled for private or semi-private lessons with ELI instructors for an additional fee.
ESL Programs for Adults
English for General Purposes
Academic English
English for Specific Purposes
Online Courses
Note: Each UC San Diego class hour is 50 minutes.
*The English Language Institute adheres to CEA Standards, which can be found at CEA Accreditation Standards. Information about filing a complaint against an accredited program can be found at CEA. Comments, complaints, or suggestions about our programs, classes, or your experience with ELI should be sent to the ELI directly at ipinfo@ucsd.edu.