English Language Institute of Queens College

New York

Welcome to the English Language Institute

The English Language Institute (ELI) of Queens College (QC) is a full-time, intensive academic program for learning English as a second language. Established in 1945, the ELI at QC is the oldest English language school in the City University of New York (CUNY) and one of the oldest in the entire United States.

For 60 years, students have come from abroad and from the metropolitan area to learn English with us. The institute provides an intensive, well-rounded ESL program, providing a solid foundation for success. A great number of students go on to study at CUNY or at other colleges, universities, and professional schools across the United States.

Our Program

All students take the ELI exam at the beginning of the semester to determine placement. The test is given again at the end of the fall and spring semesters. Any student who passes the ELI final exam with a certificate is NOT required to take a TOEFL test to enter into an undergraduate program at any CUNY college.

After taking the placement exam, students are placed into one of 7 levels. All areas of English are covered including listening, speaking, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary development and pronunciation. Students who attend classes regularly and who successfully complete their assigned work will receive an official certificate at the end of each semester.

In addition to assigned classes, ELI students may choose from a number of free electives ranging from conversation groups with American students to classes focusing on learning English through pop songs or photography.

Our Faculty

Our teachers are carefully selected on the basis of their professional training and experience. All ELI faculty have master's degrees in applied linguistics/teaching English as a second language. A number of our faculty have published ESL textbooks as well as texts on the theory and methodology of teaching English. Many of these books are used worldwide.

Queens College Campus & Student Life

Queens College is situated on a beautiful, 77-acre campus in Flushing, Queens, 10 miles outside of Manhattan. Students enjoy a tranquil, park-like setting with all the resources of a major college, while just a bus ride away from New York City.

Queens College was ranked #6 among America's top-20 "Best Bargain - Public Colleges," ahead of the University of California-Berkeley and the College of William and Mary in the 2005 edition of the Princeton Review's "Best 357 Colleges".

ELI students may audit regular Queens College courses which offer students multiple opportunity to familiarize themselves with American classroom procedures while practicing listening and note-taking skills. Students are welcome to join any of the 100 clubs and organizations available on campus. For a nominal fee, students may use the college swimming pool, gymnasium, and tennis courts.

Class schedule, Calendars & Tuition

Fall Semester (end of August or beginning of September to mid-December)

Spring Semester (end of January to mid-May)

Schedule & Tuition for Fall and Spring Semesters

Day classes meet 18 hours a week, 4 days a week. Tuition ranges from $1997-$2360, depending on residency status. 10% discount available for early registration.*

Night classes meet 16 hours a week, 4 days a week. Tuition ranges from $1779-$2094 depending on residency status. 10% discount available for early registration.*

Summer Session 1 (end of May to end of June)

Summer Session 2 (end of June to mid-August)

Schedule & Tuition for Summer Sessions

All classes meet 24 hours a week, 4 days a week. Tuition for Summer Session 1 ranges from $768-$864, depending on residency status. Tuition for Summer Session 2 ranges from $1,1152-$1,296 depending on residency status. 10% discount available for early registration.*

*Visit our web site for discount deadlines.

I-20 Application deadline dates

For students living outside of the United States who need an I-20, applications and all necessary documents should be submitted by the following dates:

Fall Semester: July 15
Spring Semester: Dec 1
Summer Semesters: May 15

If you are interested in any of our programs and would like to request information, please visit us at www.qc.cuny.edu/eli

or call 718-997-5720.