Many universities and colleges in the United States offer intensive English language study for foreign students.

Whether you want to study at a rural, suburban, or urban campus -- there's bound to be a program suited for your needs.

These ESL programs tend to be academically oriented, but they also feature "everyday English" and conversational techniques as part of the curriculum.

The Benefits
A major advantage of a college- or university-based program is its connection to the institution of higher learning. It's simply a great way to prepare to study in the United States. It also gives you the chance to see an US campus up close.

Students who just want to improve their English language skills -- and not continue their studies here -- will also find a program to suit their needs.

Full-time students in an intensive English program have the same privileges as any other student. They can use the libraries, physical fitness centers, cafeterias and versatile social activities that most colleges and universities offer.

In addition, there is a great possibility of meeting American students on campus. Some schools even allow ESL students to register for regular classes when they have reached a sufficiently high level.

There are also a number of resources that might be difficult to find in other programs. For example, The American Language Program of Columbia University offers intensive three-week summer programs in English for business or law purposes.

In addition to English language study on business or law issues, these courses include guest lectures by professors of the university's schools of business and law.

Picking a program can be confusing and time consuming. For more help, look for institutions that are members of the consortium of University and College Intensive English Program (UCIEP).

To be a member of UCIEP, a program must be administered by an accredited college or university and must follow UCIEP guidelines. This includes all aspects of the program, from general program content to testing and placement to faculty.

They must follow accepted professional standards and faculty members must hold at least an advanced degree or certificate in the Teaching of English as a Second (or Foreign) Language, applied linguistics or a related field, as well as have prior ESL/EFL teaching experience.