Intensive Summer Program for English Language (ISPEL)
Apply Now – Download an application (PDF)
General Information
ISPEL is an eight-week program designed to prepare students for further study at UIS and for others who want a brief but intensive study of English language and culture for personal and professional reasons. The summer program develops language and cultural knowledge and helps prepare students for the rigorous academic coursework of undergraduate and graduate programs.
Many ISPEL students aim to enroll in degree programs at University of Illinois at Springfield. Admission to ISPEL does not imply admission to UIS.
Download the ISPEL brochure here (pdf)
Classes
Students receive 20 hours per week of classroom instruction (160 hours over 8 weeks). Language classes meet Monday through Thursday for five hours a day. Classes are taught at the intermediate level and above and focus on Speaking, Listening, Reading, Writing, Grammar and Pronunciation.
Our classes are small and are taught by experienced ESL professionals who are native speakers. Our classrooms and faculty are technologically up-to-date.
Activities
ISPEL arranges fieldtrips and activities during the week which are included in the program fee. Fieldtrips include detailed tours of downtown to highlight important museums and historical monuments; a visit to bustling Chicago; a daytrip to St. Louis, and a tour of an Amish farm. Activities include an architecture walk, a traditional American barbeque, and a baseball game.
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Housing
ISPEL students typically live in on-campus apartments. Apartments have private bedrooms, a full kitchen, lots of living space, a shared bathroom, and air conditioning. Linens are provided. Apartments are less than a five minute walk to the main classroom buildings and are very close to social gathering places, the cafeteria, and laundry facilities. There are a variety of on-campus options to choose from.
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Campus Life
UIS is a large, safe campus about a fifteen minute drive from downtown Springfield. When not in classes or participating in ISPEL activities, students can exercise at the Recreation Center and play volleyball, basketball, tennis, and soccer on outdoor courts and fields. Many social gathering places on campus feature games, televisions, and computers. Students may dine in the cafeteria, coffee bars, and snack shops.
Cost
| Mandatory Fees | |
| Application Fee | $30 |
| Program Fee | $1,800 |
| Books & Material (estimated) | $100 |
| Additional Fees | |
| Health Insurance* | $150.00 |
| Housing (does not include food) | $889.00 – 1,065.00 |
| Total | |
| Without Housing or Insurance | $1,930 |
| With Housing & Insurance | $2,969 – $3,145 |
* All students living on campus must provide proof of health insurance. Students may provide their own or buy insurance from UIS. If students provide their own, they must provide the policy to UIS for approval.
Requirements
Students who wish to participate in ISPEL should be at least 18 years old by the start of the program and have an intermediate level of English or above. ISPEL students must provide proof of sufficient financial funds to cover expenses during the summer.
Application Procedure
Application may be downloaded and faxed, scanned, or mailed back to us.
Download the ISPEL application here (pdf).
The application deadline is April 15. However, if the deadline has passed, there may still be spaces available. Please contact us.
