Taking a vacation to the United States is an endless adventure! There is so much to see and do, but why not take advantage of your time in the USA to improve your English?! Intensive English Programs (IEP) are short term programs to help you learn or improve your English. IEP’s are offered all across the country, but if you’re visiting friends or family in the midwest, here are some great programs to consider while you’re on vacation:

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign is located in Champaign, Illinois which is two hours from Chicago. Established in 1967, The Intensive English Institute (IEI) caters to all levels of English learners. The program focuses on helping students reach proficiency level so they can enroll in U.S. degree programs. Classes are offered throughout the year and focus on academic listening, speaking, reading and writing. In addition, they offer help with TOEFL strategies.

University of Illinois at Chicago-Tutorium in Intensive English

Located in the heart of the windy city, University of Illinois at Chicago - Tutorium in Intensive English offers intensive English courses for students. The program is offered three times a year in August, January, and May. Class sizes are small and students receive 20-25 hours of instruction per week. In addition, they offer seminars on a variety of topics such as the university admissions process.

Study Illinois

Study Illinois is a group of intensive English language programs owned by over 175  reputable universities and colleges located across Illinois. These include Lewis University, DePaul University, Illinois Institute of Technology, Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and more!  Each of these programs offer a variety of intensive English language courses.

Indiana University - Intensive English Program

Indiana University - Intensive English Program is located in Bloomington, Indiana. They offer English classes for all levels of learners by offering seven different levels. The IEP is offered year-round in seven week sessions. The program focuses on communicative speaking, listening, writing and reading. Students are provided 20-25 hour of instruction per week. In addition, they offer a range of extracurricular activities.

University of Minnesota - Minnesota Intensive English Program (MELP)

University of Minnesota - Minnesota Intensive English Program (MELP) is located in the capital of Minnesota, St. Paul. They offer year-round English programs with four different levels, focusing on preparation for study at a university or college. They offer two 15-week sessions during the school year: fall and spring semester. They also offer a seven-week program from late June to mid-August.  Students take 25 hours of class a week.

Ohio University - Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE)

Ohio University’s Ohio Program of Intensive English (OPIE) is located only an hour and 30 minutes from Columbus, Ohio. They offers a variety of durations for students studying English. They offer 4, 12, and 15 week sessions. Sessions are offered in the fall, spring and summer. Classes focus on conversation in addition to writing, grammar and reading. Ohio University also offers conditional admissions to students in the program.

Brianna Burrows is a freelance marketing specialist and alumna of Northeastern University. She specializes in event management, social media management, and content branding. Follow her on Twitter here.