Programs | English Language Institute

The English Language Institute (ELI) offers seven-week courses year round, transition courses in Fall and Spring terms, and special short-term programs upon request. You can learn more about the seven-week courses, transition courses, and short-term programs from previous years here. However, the faculty and staff of the ELI are happy to work with international schools and agents to create additional programs tailored to meet student needs.

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Regular Seven-Week ESL Program

  • International students are enrolled fulltime in ESL courses
  • Local students can be enrolled full-time or part-time
  • Courses depend on which semester(s) a student studies at the English Language Institute (ELI)
    • Fall: Late August – Early December*
      • Speaking & Listening
      • Reading & Vocabulary
      • Writing & Grammar
    • Spring: Early February – Mid May*
      • Speaking & Listening
      • Reading & Writing
      • Grammar
  • There are two seven-week terms in each semester at Pacific University
    • Fall A, Fall B, Spring A, and Spring B
    • Students can start at the beginning of any seven-week term
    • Grades are given after each seven-week term
  • Depending on their length of study, students can choose from several housing options
    • On-Campus Dormitories
    • Off-Campus Homestays
    • Off-Campus Apartments

*See ELI Calendar for exact dates.

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ELI-Undergraduate Transition Program

  • The ELI Transition Program includes several types of classes:
    • ESL Classes are academic ESL classes to help students develop their core English skills (see seven-week ESL program)
    • ELI Transition Classes are undergraduate courses designed for Advanced ESL students
      • Students write college essays, listen to lectures, speak about academic topics, read academic texts and conduct research.
      • Taught by ELI faculty in an ESL classroom.
    • Undergraduate Transition Classes are regular undergraduate courses chosen by the ELI faculty
      • An ELI instructor attends lectures with students and meets with them outside of class to guide them through assignments, projects, readings, discussions, and exam preparation.
      • Taught by Pacific University undergraduate professors.
    • Regular Undergraduate Classes are undergraduate courses that students choose and attend by themselves.
      • Students are responsible for attending class, completing assignments, and taking exams independently.
      • ELI faculty advise students and facilitate communication with undergraduate professors as needed.

Transition Program Levels

  • The ELI Transition Program is divided into three levels depending on a student’s English proficiency:

Level 1  

Minimum Score

  • TOEFL iBT 53
  • TOEFL PBT/ITP 475
  • IELTS 5.0
  • Duolingo English Test 85 
  • 2 ESL Classes
  • 1 ELI Transition Class
  • Earn 3 undergraduate credits for each ELI Transition class successfully completed**

Level 2

Minimum Score

  • TOEFL iBT 61
  • TOEFL PBT/ITP 500
  • IELTS 5.5
  • Duolingo English Test 95
  • 1 ESL Class
  • 1 ELI Transition Class
  • 1 Undergraduate Transition Class
  • Earn 4 undergraduate credits for each Undergraduate Transition class successfully completed**

Level 3

Minimum Score

  • TOEFL iBT 70
  • TOEFL PBT/ITP 525
  • IELTS 6.0
  • Duolingo English Test 105       
  • 1 ESL Class
  • 1 ELI Transition Class
  • 1 Undergraduate Transition Class
  • 1 Regular Undergraduate Class
  • Earn 4 undergraduate credits for each regular undergraduate class successfully completed**

**Students must earn a C grade or higher to successfully complete a class and earn credit.

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Short-Term ESL Programs

  • Most short-term students can study under the terms of the Visa Waiver Program (ESTA)
  • Short-term programs generally run from 1 to 4 weeks

Integrated Short-Term Programs

  • Partner schools or agencies send individual students or small to medium-sized groups
  • Students must have completed their high school studies to participate
  • Housing can be arranged both on and off-campus
  • Students join fulltime students in the seven-week academic ESL courses
  • Supplemental activities and outings can be arranged for additional fees

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Custom Short-Term Programs

  • Partner schools and agencies send groups of 10 or more students
  • Students must be at least 16 years old to participate
    • One chaperone per 10 minor students should be provided by the school or agency
  • Homestays can be arranged through Andeo
  • The cost of these programs is based on specific school needs and requests, and an invoice will be sent directly to the school or agency coordinating the program
  • Programs can be offered throughout the year
  • Courses and activities can be fully customized
  • Previous programs have included
    • American Cultural Activities
    • Business Site Visits
      • Opportunities for Internships/Job Shadowing
    • Targeted Curriculum
      • Academic English
      • TOEFL Prep
      • Business English
      • Presentation Skills

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Study-Abroad Preparation Program

  • Freshman and students who have never studied abroad before can prepare at Pacific University before they start their undergraduate experience elsewhere
  • Students acclimate to the American university system in a small school with friendly faculty and staff offering individualized support:
    • Pacific staff will meet students at the Portland International Airport and drive them back to campus and take them shopping for any needed items
    • We can help students get a mobile phone plan with a national chain which can be used all over the country
  • Students develop key skills expected of all undergraduate students in the U.S., including
    • Standard U.S. academic essay structure and source citation
    • Active listening and the Cornell Method for note-taking
    • Group and individual presentation skills
    • Proper etiquette for group discussion and debate
    • Campus norms and expectations

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Contact Us

English Language Institute Admissions
+1-503-352-1600 | eliadmissions@pacificu.edu

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