The Intercultural English Language Programs (IELP) – formerly English as a Second Language (ESL) Programs – supports multilingual English language learners through language instruction and intercultural exchange. The program changed its name in June 2022. Within IELP, there are four distinct but interrelated units that serve the needs of various learners at The Ohio State University and beyond.
IELP at OSU consists of the American Language Program, Academic English Writing Program, Spoken English Program, and International Special Programs. The Academic English Writing Program and Spoken English Program are part of the regular OSU curriculum. Through assessment and instruction, we have contact with nearly every international student entering the university. As an intensive English program, the American Language Program brings students to campus, where they may potentially continue with further studies. The International Special Programs unit is designed to meet the language needs of local community members and international partners who are not OSU students in the traditional sense.
The American Language Program is OSU’s intensive pre-admission English language institute, offering full-time English language courses covering all language skill areas and American culture. ALP’s students not only learn English in the program, but they also experience the culture through social activities and local excursions.
The Academic English Writing Program (formerly ESL Composition Program) offers a series of courses for matriculated undergraduate and graduate students. These courses assist students in developing the skills necessary to perform as writers in university courses. The program is committed to enhancing the intellectual and cultural lives of its students by encouraging critical thinking and effective communication.
The Spoken English Program provides coursework for prospective international teaching associates (ITAs) to assist in developing their language and discourse competence to an acceptable level for certification to teach courses at OSU.
The International Special Programs include English programming such as online courses serving corporate clients, customized programs for local and international organizations, and campus-based short-term programs for partner institutions. Many of these programs are designed and implemented in partnership and/or collaboration with other units at OSU or an external organization/institution.
Finally, an important responsibility of IELP is administering required English language assessments for matriculated OSU international students. Our in-house testing services include large-scale writing assessments for the Academic English Writing Program, and speaking assessments for GTA candidates for the Spoken English Program.
As a unit housed in the College of Education and Human Ecology and the Department of Teaching and Learning, IELP is affiliated with the EHE Global Hub and the Buckeye Language Education Resource Center.
It is the mission of IELP to embrace the linguistic diversity of our learners and to enhance their intercultural experiences.
