The EKU English Language Instruction Program (EELI) offers an intensive program of English as a Second Language to non-native speakers of English. It emphasizes academic, real English used interactively as much as possible. The Program's objectives focus on fostering a welcoming, non-threatening language- learning environment. EELI prepares students for study in American colleges and universities and is open to all students wishing to improve their English skills for personal, academic, and professional purposes. Classes cover all the important English language skills: reading, writing, speaking, and listening - and include extensive orientation to American lifestyles and culture.

Location: The EKU English Language Instruction Program (EELI), which began in June of 1991, is located on the 350-acre campus of Eastern Kentucky University in Richmond, Kentucky, only 25 miles south of Lexington. This part of Kentucky is called the Bluegrass Region, world-famous for its thoroughbred horse farms and race tracks.

The campus is part of a small town full of Southern hospitality and yet is only ninety minutes by car from major metropolitan areas such as Louisville, Kentucky and Cincinnati, Ohio.

The University has an enrollment of approximately 16,000 students. EELI students live in on-campus University residence halls or Brockton apartments; however, students over the age of 21 may choose to live in off campus apartments, many of which are within walking distance from the campus.

Richmond, with a population of 41,554, is a quiet, safe place, perfect for serious studying. A pleasant climate and a friendly environment provide a supportive atmosphere. It offers an economical lifestyle.

Program: Five levels of instruction are offered. Students are placed in appropriate levels on the basis of placement test results. There are five terms or sessions available in the two semesters and the summer, and each term is seven weeks long.

The EELI program requires twenty-eight weekly hours of instruction and offers the possibility of more than forty hours of interactive English opportunities each week. A Tutoring Lab, cross-cultural activities and learning excursions are important parts of the program. The excursions and frequent cross-cultural exchanges with several groups afford opportunities for students to use living English outside the classroom.

EELI offers computer-assisted instruction, student observation of University classes with a focus on developing study skills and note taking ease in academic use of English, and much individualized instruction in small classes. Former students have noted that "EELI feels like family" perhaps because of their comfortable interaction with the instructors and with other students in small classes.

Special classes are provided by EELI as there is need. Classes with an emphasis in Business English and Conversational English have been offered for those who cannot attend regular classes.
Note: Regular F-1 students receive their I-20's from EELI for English language study. The I-20 can be used only for English language study.