International students are invited to participate in the Intensive English Language Program (IELP) prior to the fall International Pre-Orientation Program.
Transportation to campus will be provided from O’Hare International Airport, as well as nearby train and bus stations for students participating in the program.
Why Participate?
If English is not your first language, IELP is a great opportunity to strengthen your English skills before the academic year begins.
Over the course of two weeks, students receive instruction designed to improve all areas of English, with a special focus on college-level writing, speaking, and presentation skills
The program is taught by Dr. John Haslem and a professional writing tutor, with additional support from a trained program mentor both inside and outside the classroom.
Dr. Haslem is an expert in English Language Learning (ELL), developmental, academic, advanced, business, and creative writing, and has over 30 years of experience supporting student success.
Students who undertake the program earn on average first term GPAs well over 3.0 and higher than those internationals who do not take the program.
Program Details
Program Length: 2 weeks
Academic Credit: 0.5 credit upon successful completion
Program Fee: $1,800
Billing: Charged directly to your student account
The program fee includes:
Language instruction
Housing and meals
Transportation to off-campus activities
Cultural and social programming
Students accepted into the program will receive a final schedule upon arrival.
To ensure academic success, students receive holistic literacy instruction in:
active listening and public speaking skills,
reading both academic and literary texts,
individualized and advanced writing skills as they are situated in an understanding of rhetorical situation, social epistemic rhetoric, and writing for academic purposes,
independent reasoning and critical thinking skills,
individual, group, and social learning,
negotiating cultural and ideological difference in the classroom,
self advocacy,
how to take and offer help,
and learning skills instruction: time management, note-taking, and test preparation.
Students also receive individualized academic advising for fall term.
Outside the classroom
Peer Support from Experienced IELP Mentors: Two current Knox students who previously completed the IELP assist throughout the program, helping lead activities, supporting students’ adjustment to campus life, and are available to answer any questions or concerns
Orientation to Campus and Community Resources: Students are introduced to campus services, academic resources, and key community locations to help them feel comfortable and confident navigating Knox and Galesburg
Assistance with Banking, Cell Phones, and Essential Services: IELP participants are assisted by staff and student mentors to get connected with local banking services and setting up cell service
Walmart Shopping Trip: IELP participants are taken to Walmart to purchase dorm essentials, personal care items, school supplies, and other necessities
Weekend Cultural Excursion to Chicago: Students participate in an overnight trip to Chicago to experience a U.S. major city, explore tourist attractions, and practice
Regular Social and Cultural Programming: IELP provides structured social events and informal gatherings outside of class to help students practice conversational English, engage with campus life, and build friendships
Recreational Outing to Lake Storey: Students visit Lake Storey for kayaking and a lakeside picnic
Ethnic Food Shopping Trip to Peoria: Students travel to Peoria to purchase ingredients for a group cooking night, and participate in a hands-on cultural exchange through food
Celebratory Dinner: At the conclusion of IELP, students attend a celebratory dinner recognizing their accomplishments, growth, and participation in the program
Library sessions
Students participate in guided library sessions to:
Navigate the physical library space and locate specific rooms, resources, and materials
Access resources and services that the library offers (materials, research assistance, etc.)
Identify types of information sources and evaluate sources credibility
Determine when it is necessary to cite a piece of information and use tools and resources to create an accurate citation
Intensive English Language Program
International students are invited to participate in an Intensive English Language Program prior to the fall International Pre-Orientation Program.
Student Testimonials
Joining IELP was one of the best decisions I ever made. As a non-native speaker, it gave me insight into what would be expected of me in my classes and how to handle a heavy course load.
Mohsin Asad ‘29
Through the program, I was able to strengthen my academic English skills and gain confidence in participating in discussions and presentations. I also really enjoyed the activities outside the classroom, such as the Chicago trip! They helped me build meaningful friendships and feel more connected to the campus community
Kokoro Otsuki ‘26
I made wonderful memories with my fellow IELP students and the people who supported us. We studied together, taught each other until late at night for exams, and went to the lake and on field trips to Peoria and Chicago, among other activities! Additionally, living on campus during IELP was nice because I got used to using the facilities early on and got to know many people and friends
Chihiro Abe ‘29
IELP taught me how to live in Knox, a skill I didn't know I needed until all the other freshman showed up on campus and when I did see them struggle, I was glad to show up early and learn, it was more than just learning english which of course helped a lot in the writing part of it, it was also about the friends which I do live with to this day, and as for the people that I met during that time, the professors, the staff, the seniors - they have been a great part in shaping who I have become today. IELP is not only about taking an English class, it's building the foundations you need to succeed at Knox as an International Student.
