Classes are small, with most ELI classes having 16 or fewer participants. Classes prepare you for success in an American college or university and introduce you to U.S. culture and university life. Classes meet 20 hours a week, Monday through Thursday.

You will be assigned to one of five curriculum levels, based on your placement test results. ELI participants must spend additional time preparing and studying for their classes, and those who have successfully completed one level will be promoted to the next level.

Classes in the Intensive program begin at 9 a.m. and run through 3 p.m.

Listening and Speaking

Communicative activities will help you improve your comprehension and expression of spoken English and reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation.

Reading

Courses focus on building vocabulary, reading, and study skills with level-appropriate materials.

Composition

You will learn and practice techniques that will help you develop the writing skills necessary for academic success.

Grammar

English grammar is taught and practiced through a variety of communicative and functional activities.

Vocabulary

This course helps ELI participants to expand their academic English vocabulary.

Certificates

At the end of each term, certificates will be awarded to all participants who complete the ELI program and are ready to apply for regular admission to a college or university.

The certificate of program completion from the English Language Institute at Georgia Gwinnett College is recognized by the University System of Georgia as proof of English proficiency and fulfills the English proficiency requirement to be admitted to bachelor's degree programs at Georgia Gwinnett College.

ELI Session Calendars: Spring 2023, Session A – Summer 2024

Spring 2023, Session B

  • March 10: Orientation and placement testing
  • March 13: Session begins
  • March 17: Last day for first week withdrawal
  • April 5: Mid-session progress verification
  • May 4: Session ends

Summer 2023

  • May 19: Orientation and placement testing
  • May 22: Session begins
  • May 26: Last day for first week withdrawal
  • May 29: Memorial Day holiday
  • June 14: Mid-session progress verification
  • June 19: Juneteenth holiday
  • July 4: Independence Day holiday
  • July 19: Session ends

Fall 2023, Session A

  • August 10: Orientation and placement testing
  • August 14: Session begins
  • August 18: Last day for first week withdrawal
  • September 4: Labor Day holiday
  • September 6: Mid-session progress verification
  • October 5: Session ends

Fall 2023, Session B

  • October 6: Orientation and placement testing
  • October 9: Session begins
  • October 13: Last day for first week withdrawal
  • November 1: Mid-session progress verification
  • November 19-26: Thanksgiving break
  • November 30: Session ends

Spring 2024, Session A

  • January 5: Orientation and placement testing
  • January 8: Session begins
  • January 15: Last day for first week withdrawal
  • January 31: Mid-session progress verification
  • February 29: Session ends

Spring 2024, Session B

  • March 8: Orientation and placement testing
  • March 11: Session begins
  • March 15: Last day for first week withdrawal
  • April 3: Mid-session progress verification
  • May 2: Session ends

Summer 2024

  • May 17: Orientation and placement testing
  • May 20: Session begins
  • May 24: Last day for first week withdrawal
  • June 12: Mid-session progress verification
  • May 27: Memorial Day holiday
  • June 19: Juneteenth holiday
  • July 4: Independence Day holiday
  • July 17: Session ends

Attendance

ELI participants must attend at least 85 percent of their classes and do the assigned work.

Cultural Experience

Full-time ELI participants enjoy many of the same privileges as GGC students, including access to the Student Center and recreational facilities. You are invited to participate in many social and cultural events such as banquets, cookouts and field trips to historic and cultural landmarks. The ELI has an activities coordinator that plans weekend trips and local activities.