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+1 (808) 933-8855
+1 (808) 933-8863
Mail:English Language Institute
Welcome to the English Language Institute (ELI) at the University of Hawaii at Hilo!
The mission of the ELI is to provide English language instruction to non-native speakers of English to prepare them for university study.
The ELI offers rigorous academic preparation courses for students who would like to study in a degree program at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. Our dedicated teachers all have advanced degrees and many years of teaching experience.
ELI students enjoy the same privileges as other UH Hilo students including access to student housing, campus bookstore, library, computer labs, cafeteria, health services, student activities, campus clubs and the new Student Life Center.
ELI students also have the opportunity to take selected academic courses for credit while studying English. (See sample schedule)
If you meet other admission requirements, you do not need a TOEFL score to be accepted to UH Hilo as a General Studies – ELI student. You will be tested before classes begin. Based on your test results, you may need to take English as a Second Language (ESL) courses, or a combination of ESL and academic courses.
The ELI offers classes at the intermediate, high-intermediate, and advanced levels. The ELI does not have a beginning level. If you have below-intermediate skills, it may take you longer to complete your ESL courses. For more information on the skills you will learn in ESL courses, please go to the ELI Course Outcomes.
After you successfully complete all advanced level courses and exit the ELI, you may continue your studies in a major of your choice.
My classroom and students. Songyi (when I was on the Big Island).“I'm writing to let you know that I got a teaching job in Korea. I'm teaching English to elementary school students in a private institution. This institution is one of the biggest in Korea and I'm proud of that fact. I graduated last month and now I'm working near my university.
I think a lot of you and ESL teachers and classes. 2008-2009 years are the most precious time in my life because they gave me a vision of my life. I really thank all ESL teachers: Laurel, Julie, Luke and Marianne. I don't forget what you taught me, and even better is that I'm using and practicing what I learned!
Your help was my foundation. I know I'm not perfect so I'm trying to get certification for TESOL, and I'm studying every day. Thank you all. I feel very happy and proud as I remember my Hawaiian days.”
-- Songyi Yang, South Korea.
"Last week my Marine Biology professor gave back my annotating notes. I got 10/10!! His comment was 'Real nice job!!!' I was really happy...I realize how important ESL classes are...When professors say something and I already know that, I feel very comfortable in the classes."
--Ikumi Hara, Japan
"I would recommend the ELI. It is a good place to improve your English if you are not a native speaker. The classes helped me very much, reading especially. Now I'm not afraid of reading textbooks in other classes."
--Chun-Che Chiu, Taiwan
"All the techniques which I learned in the ELI have helped me in other classes. For example, in a history class, the teacher didn't use the blackboard. He just gave lectures. I had to listen to the lectures and take notes. Thanks to the training in the ELI, I succeeded that semester."
--Kaori Asai, Japan
"The teachers didn't just teach me how to study English; they also taught me a lot of skills for academic courses, such as how to take good notes and how to write good summaries that helped me get an "A" in my academic courses. Even though I am not a native speaker, I'm not afraid to take academic courses and speak in a class with native speakers."
--Wei Yu Chen, Taiwan
Good Reasons to study English at the UH Hilo English Language Institute
- Rigorous academic preparation courses for University study
- Experienced teachers with advanced degrees
- Mobile Language Lab: Apple iPod Touch with recorder available for Speaking and Listening class students
- Self-paced reading lab
- Opportunity to take academic courses for credit
- Access to all University facilities such as the library, dining room, health center, computer lab, The Learning Center, the new Student Life Center, athletic complex, and dormitories
- Internet and e-mail access
- Advising on immigration, academics and student life
- Opportunity to speak English and make friends by taking academic classes, participating in student activities, and joining campus clubs
- On-campus dormitories with 24-hour security
- Beautiful, safe location with warm weather all year
- No TOEFL requirement
"The ELI is difficult but fun. Teachers and students are eager and cooperative."
--Kyoko Nozaki, Japan
"The professors are always kind and take time to explain the lessons in detail. The professors and students are very friendly and open minded. I stay in the dorm which has many programs such as trips and marine sports. I also take part in the International Student Association activities. The ELI is very intensive and demanding, but useful. "
--Tae-Kyung Ha, South Korea
Sample Schedule (High Intermediate Level)
| Monday | Tuesday | Wednesday | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Comm. 8-9:30 |
Reading 9-10:30 |
Comm. 8-9:30 |
Reading 9-10:30 |
Comm. 8-9:30 |
| Grammar 12-1:30 |
Art 101 11-12:15 |
Grammar 12-1:30 |
Art 101 |
Grammar 12-1:30 |
| Math 100 2-3:15 |
Comm. Lab 2-3:30 |
Math 100 2-3:15 |
||
| Writing 4-5:30 |
American English Pronunciation 3:30-5:30 |
Writing 4-5:30 |
American English Pronunciation 3:30-5:30 |
Writing 4-5:30 |
"I would recommend the ELI to my friends because you can make a lot of friends from different countries and build a good English foundation."
--Tzu-I Hsia, Taiwan
"The best part of the ELI is the teachers who are friendly and the classmates who come from different countries."
--Asuka Iwai, Japan
ELI Courses
- Students
advance from one level to the next based on course
performance and proficiency
test scores. - ELI courses carry administrative credit, but do not count towards graduation from UH Hilo.
- The ELI does not offer beginning level courses.
Advanced Level
| Course ID | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESL 081 | Academic Communication | 3 credits |
| ESL 082 | Intermediate English Grammar | 3 credits |
| ESL 083 | Introduction to Academic Reading | 3 credits |
| ESL 084 | Intermediate Composition | 3 credits |
| ESL 085 | American English Pronunciation | 2 credits |
High Intermediate Level
| Course ID | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESL 071 | Basic Communication Skills | 3 credits |
| ESL 072 | Basics of English Grammar | 3 credits |
| ESL 073 | English Reading Skills | 3 credits |
| ESL 074 | Introduction to Composition | 3 credits |
| ESL 085 | American English Pronunciation | 2 credits |
Intermediate Level
| Course ID | Course Description | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| ESL 061 | Speaking and Listening in English | 3 credits |
| ESL 062 | Essentials of English Grammar | 3 credits |
| ESL 063 | Basics of Reading in English | 3 credits |
| ESL 064 | Preparation for English Composition | 3 credits |
| ESL 085 | American English Pronunciation | 2 credits |
Required Placement Assessments
All non-native speakers of English are required to take the following assessments before registering for classes. Assessment scores will be reviewed by UH Hilo faculty and recommendations for coursework will be provided during a follow-up session.
- English Language Placement Assessment: Listening, Grammar, Reading, and Vocabulary
- Writing Placement Assessment: Writing
Placement Assessment Dates
| Semester | English Language Placement Assessment (Required) | Date/Time/Location |
|---|---|---|
| Fall 2013 | Listening,
Grammar, Vocabulary (All parts of the test are required) |
Wednesday, August 21 1:00-4:00pm / TBA |
| Fall 2013 | ELI Orientation Mandatory information session for all new ELI students |
Time to be announced PB16, Room 2 |
Alternative format available by contacting the ADA Coordinator. UH Hilo is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
How to Apply
To apply to the ELI, please follow the procedures indicated in the Entrance Requirements for International Students.