The UMBC English Language Institute (ELI) provides intensive or academic English programs (IEP/AEP) to students who wish to improve their English skills for personal and academic purposes. The program is divided into seven levels, allowing students to take classes at each level. After successfully completing the language school class, you can apply to UMBC without TOEFL scores.

UMBC is a dynamic public research university integrating teaching, research and service to benefit the citizens of Maryland. As an Honors University, the campus offers academically talented students a strong undergraduate liberal arts foundation that prepares them for graduate and professional study, entry into the workforce, and community service and leadership. UMBC emphasizes science, engineering, information technology, human services and public policy at the graduate level. UMBC contributes to the economic development of the State and the region through entrepreneurial initiatives, workforce training, K-16 partnerships, and technology commercialization in collaboration with public agencies and the corporate community. UMBC is dedicated to cultural and ethnic diversity, social responsibility and lifelong learning.

-Divided into Full time course and Part time course

-UMBC has its own English Language Institute (ELI) that offers the Intensive English Program (IEP) to students who would like to improve their English language skills for personal and academic purposes. This program has seven levels: From Level INTRO to Level 6. In the Intensive English Program (IEP), students gain skills in speaking, listening, reading, writing, grammar, vocabulary, and pronunciation.

 -UMBC ELI also provides some extra elective classes such as TOEFL/IELTS/GRE Test Preparation, Technical Writing, Academic Study Skill, Accent Reduction, Introduction to Technical Communication, etc. These English courses equip students with the appropriate tools to improve their speech and fluency in English but also help them to pursue their bachelor's, Master's, and/or Ph.D. degree in the United States of America. These advanced English courses also prepare students better for working in business settings. 

Most students begin their experience living on campus in one of our residence hall communities: Chesapeake, Susquehanna, Patapsco, Potomac. Residence Halls are a great atmosphere for meeting other students because of their communal nature.

In our residence halls, students live in shared bedrooms and have semi-private bathrooms. Single room options in our residence halls are very limited and are prioritized for those with approved medical accommodations and upperclass students. Room furnishings include a bed, a dresser and closet or wardrobe, a desk, and a chair. Streaming services and individually controlled heating and air conditioning are standard in each unit.

Students living in the residence halls and suites have 24 hour access to the community kitchens, lounges, and laundry rooms. Students assigned to a residence hall are required to have a residential meal plan.

Chesapeake is home to the Center for Women In Technology Living-Learning Community. A quiet lifestyle community is located on the third floor (west wing).

Interim Community Manager: Sarah Pena; 410-455-1801

Community Desk: 443-612-0300

Location (7D): UMBC Campus Map

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Vickie Williams, vwilli5@umbc.edu

Faculty Hours: Mondays 12:00-1:00pm

Patapsco Hall is a LEED certified building and home to several of our Living Learning Communities: Discovery Scholars and STEM. A quiet lifestyle community is located on the ground floor (south wing).

Community Director, Danielle Parker: 410-455-1701

East Community Desk: 443-612-0500

West Community Desk: 443-612-0915

Location (8D): UMBC Campus Map

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Loren Henderson, loren@umbc.edu

Faculty Hours: Thursdays 6:15-7:15pm

Potomac Hall is our only nine-month residence hall. Students living in nine-month Continuous Housing residence halls and suites must purchase a minimum of a $50 flex meal plan for the January term as part of the housing license whether or not students plan to reside in housing for the month of January. A quiet lifestyle community is located on the ground floor (south wing).

Community Director, Charlito Iwuagwu: 410-455-8601

Community Desk: 443-612-0700

Location (8D): UMBC Campus Map

Susquehanna Hall is home to the Honors College Living Learning Community and our first-year Meyerhoff Scholars. Students enjoy Susquehanna’s large community room and kitchen. A basement lounge features a full kitchen and its perfect for student gatherings. A quiet lifestyle community is located on the third floor (south wing).

Community Director: Autumn Dietrich, 410-455-1901

Community Desk: 443-612-0100

Location (7D): UMBC Campus Map

Faculty Mentor: Dr. Cynthia Wagner, cwagner@umbc.edu

Faculty Hours: Monday 5:00-6:00pm