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Intensive English Program

Pierce College's Intensive English Program provides an excellent way to learn English quickly. It is a first-rate program with dedicated, qualified and dynamic instructors who love teaching international students. In fact, most instructors and staff have lived and worked overseas and we have instructors who speak Japanese, Korean, Chinese, French, Spanish, German, and more.

Full-time IEP students study English for 20 hours per week, Monday through Friday. (In summer quarter only, classes are held Monday through Thursday.) The program is divided into four levels of instruction, from beginner to advanced. Classes are offered in grammar, writing, reading, listening and speaking. The sessions run for 10 weeks.

How long a student spends in the program depends on a number of factors, including:

  • How much English they knew when they started
  • How much effort they put into their studies
  • Participation in extracurricular activities, such as theatre or International Club
  • Whether they live alone, with an American family, or with friends from their country

Many students need just one quarter in the IEP before they are ready to enter regular college classes. However, some may need three to six quarters to complete the program, depending on the above variables and other factors.

For course information, please see:

Admission Information

Students who complete the IEP have guaranteed admission to Pierce College's University Transfer or Professional/Technical programs.

*Please note that individual groups can arrange special programs or short-term programs by contacting the Intensive English Program Manager, Chris Waraksa.

Apply Now

Begin your application online for the Intensive English Program today.

How to apply to the Intensive English Program