ESL Program in Denver, Colorado for International Students

ESL Academy at the University of Colorado Denver:
The University of Colorado Denver’s English as a Second Language (ESL) Academy offers high-quality, year-round ESL instruction specifically designed to prepare international students to study at American universities. In addition to mastering academic English, students will learn how to succeed academically at the University of Colorado Denver. As well as our rigorous English language program, we provide a rich diversity of academic, social, and cultural opportunities further enhanced by our location on 17th Street in the heart of the city of Denver, just one block from Stout Street Light Rail station – a unique, scenic, and desirable urban location that is also just minutes from the majestic Rocky Mountains.

- Full Campus Immersion
Students in the ESL Academy will be considered University of Colorado Denver students. They will be on the university campus from day one of our program and will be eligible to live in university housing, though there will be limited available for students who join our program mid-term. Students will have access to all of the activities and resources that the university has to offer, not to mention the spectacular outdoors and urban life that Denver and Colorado have to offer.

- Rigorous Academic Program
Students are in classes 4-5 hours a day (20-25 hours per week) and are assigned several hours of homework each day. Five levels of instruction are offered: High Beginning, Low Intermediate, Intermediate, High Intermediate, and Advanced, with each level requiring an 8-week term to complete. Students in all levels are required to take required Core Courses. Core Courses include Listening/Speaking, Reading/Writing, and Grammar.

- Convenient Location
Conveniently located on 17th Street in downtown Denver CO, just one block from Stout Street Light Rail station, our ESL campus is located adjacent to the University in newly renovated space​ right along 16th Street Mall in the heart of downtown Denver. Since you will spend over 20 hours per week in this space, it is designed not only to facilitate instruction, but also to be warm and inviting. You’re also just steps away from nearby museums, libraries, shops, restaurants and sports venues.

- On-campus Accommodation
As an ESL student, you have the option to live in the Campus Village Apartments (CVA), our student housing. By living on campus, you can participate in special programming, seminars, and activities – all designed to improve your experience at the university. This is an excellent opportunity to connect with both domestic and international students and practice your English! Research has shown that students who live on campus are more connected to other students, faculty, and staff, are more involved in campus life, and are more successful in their academic pursuits than students who do not.

- Visa Information
Most ESL students will enter the US in F-1 visa status, but some may use the J-1 visa. In either case, the University of Colorado Denver will issue you the Form I-20 or Form DS-2019, as appropriate. Upon your admission to the ESL Academy at the University of Colorado Denver, you will be assigned and contacted by an International Services Coordinator who will be available to assist you with any immigration-related questions you might have.

- Intensive English language program
- Listening/Speaking
- Reading/Writing
- Grammar
- University preparation
- High Beginning, Low-High Intermediate & Advanced levels
- 20-25 hours per week
- Cultural activities
- Campus involvement

During the orientation program before you begin classes, you will be required to take a placement test. Based on the results of this test, you will be placed in the appropriate classes and levels. At the end of each 8-week term, students are tested. Promotion to the next level is based on a combination of three factors: grades, teacher recommendations, and the test score.