The Intensive English Program (IEP) at Southern Methodist University (SMU) offers Three Levels of instruction to accommodate students with varying levels of English language proficiency. Each level consists of two sub-groups, and each group takes one full term (12 weeks) to complete and advance to an upper group.
1. Beginner Level (Beginner I & II): This level is designed for students who have little to no prior experience with English. It focuses on building basic English language skills, including listening, speaking, reading, and writing. Instruction may include basic vocabulary, grammar, and pronunciation, as well as simple conversational skills for everyday communication.
2. Intermediate Level (Intermediate I & II): This level is for students who have some basic knowledge of English but need further development of their language skills. It focuses on expanding vocabulary, improving grammar and sentence structure, and enhancing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Instruction may also include more complex conversational skills for various social and academic situations.
3. High-Intermediate Level (High-Intermediate I & II): This level is designed for students who have a solid foundation in English and are ready to tackle more advanced language skills. It focuses on refining grammar and vocabulary, improving pronunciation, and further developing listening, speaking, reading, and writing skills. Instruction may also include academic-specific language skills, such as note-taking, critical thinking, and academic writing.
[Note] Specialized courses, such as test preparation courses for standardized English language tests like TOEFL or IELTS, business English courses, or pronunciation and accent reduction courses can be offered depending on the needs and interests of the students.