The Intensive English Program at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee serves an average of 100 students representing more than 30 countries and 20 different languages. These students are taking English for personal reasons or they plan to continue their education at an English speaking institution.

All students are given a set of language assessment exams and then placed in groups with similar English ability. The program consists of four types of classes each focusing on a particular language skill. Each student takes four hours of instruction daily, Monday through Friday. The focus of these four hours will vary according to the skill area in which the student is placed. The first three classes are a) Listening Comprehension, b) Reading and Vocabulary Development, and c) the Fundamentals. Students in the fourth class synthesize all of the skills for advanced practice with English. They often have discussions with invited speakers and explore community resources through field trips.

Students are tested every four weeks and assigned to a higher module as indicated by their test scores or to the same module if more practice is needed. There are 5 eight-week sessions per year: two sessions in the Fall and Spring semesters (September-December, January-May) and one in the Summer (June-July).

Students in the advanced levels of the Intensive English Program may begin their university program with permission of the director of the ESL program as their TOEFL scores approach the minimum university requirement. UWM offers conditional admission to academically qualified students who have not yet obtained the required TOEFL score. TOEFL preparation workshops are conducted throughout the semester.