(The beginning level in part-time classes assumes at least a basic literacy and ability to communicate.)
In all programs, a student-centered, communicative language learning approach is used. Classes are small, encouraging maximum participation.
Assessments, Grades, and Certificates
Students enter the ELI at all levels of proficiency, from advanced learners to students with little or no knowledge of English. All students are assessed at the beginning of the semester and placed in the appropriate level. Teachers give personal attention to each student and evaluate individual progress. At the end of the semester, all students who regularly attend classes and successfully complete their assigned work receive an official certificate.
ELI Exam
The City University of New York recognizes the ELI's professionalism. After passing the full-time ELI Final Exam with a certificate, students do NOT need a TOEFL score to apply to CUNY undergraduate and graduate programs that require a minimum TOEFL score of 61. Nonetheless, we strongly encourage students to take the TOEFL. The test is administered at the beginning and end of the full-time program’s fall and spring semesters, and at the beginning of summer sessions.
Campus
Queens College is located in Flushing, Queens, one of New York City's five boroughs and a county in its own right. Queens is proud to be the county with the greatest ethnic and racial diversity in the entire United States. This diversity offers students a wonderful opportunity to explore the language and culture of America and also find people who speak their own language and share their culture.
One of CUNY's largest senior colleges, Queens College is situated on a beautiful, 80-acre campus located 10 miles outside of Manhattan. The campus has a tranquil, park-like setting with all the resources of a major college, including a full athletic center and two theaters for the performing arts. The college is continuously expanding, opening new cafés and dining areas, installing plasma boards, updating buildings, and embarking on a variety of campus-beautification projects.
Auditing, Electives, Clubs, and Recreation
Upper-level full-time ELI students may audit Queens College courses. Students are able to familiarize themselves with American classroom procedures and practice listening and note-taking skills. Students may also attend a variety of free ELI elective classes each semester.
For recreation, full-time students are invited to use the college swimming pool, gymnasium, and tennis courts for a nominal fee. The campus offers many opportunities to participate in the social and cultural life of the college community, including frequent lectures, free exhibits presented by the Queens College Art Department, and free concerts offered by the Aaron Copland School of Music.
Queens College students come from 150 different countries. Both in and around the ELI program, students experience a globally unique environment, adding value for any field of study or life goals.
