The University of Kentucky was founded in 1865. Now it is one of America's Top 20 public research institutions. Its total enrollment is up to 27,000, students from 117 countries and every state in the nation. 200 majors and degree programs are provided by 17 academic and professional colleges.

Participants:

The Center for ESL in the UK is a non - credit academic unit, sponsored by the Department of English of the College of Arts & Sciences, at the University of Kentucky.

The Intensive English Program. This program is the only program for which an I-20 is issued, so that students may apply for a student visa. The Program is designed to improve the English language proficiency of non-native speakers of English. There are 20 hours of instruction per week. The program is intended for three different groups: students who need to become proficient in English so that they can be accepted into academic programs at the University of Kentucky and other U.S. colleges and universities; students admitted to degree programs who need to improve their English language skills; non-students who have other reasons (business, social, personal) for wishing to improve their English. The Center for ESL offers five 8-week sessions per year with five levels of proficiency. In summer, there is a 4-week session in July, but only new students may enter at this time.

The Semi-Intensive ESL Program – is designed for participants who are already in the United States in some capacity: visiting faculty, exchange visitors, employees of local companies, post-docs, residents of Lexington and surrounding areas, graduate students or spouses of graduate students and faculty, and others who do not need a student visa. The program has five hours of instruction per week, usually on Tuesday and Thursday evenings. During the academic year, there are four 6-week sessions. In summer, there are two 4-week sessions. The program is intended to improve the general language skills of non-native speakers of English and will focus on listening, speaking, reading, and grammar. Because of time constraints, the skill of writing is not addressed. Usually, two levels of proficiency are offered: a lower group and an upper group. A placement test is given prior to the first class to determine levels. Non-native speakers of English of all proficiency levels may attend this program.

Specialty Classes are intended only for advanced students of English as a Second Language, unless otherwise noted. The intent of these classes is not to improve the general level of English (although this usually happens as a happy side effect) but rather to concentrate on special points of language and to fix the problems that participants encounter. In this sense, they are "fix-it" classes. Because of the intensity of these classes, class size is usually kept small ( 8-12 participants ). Classes may be of any length, but are usually 4-6 weeks in duration.

Tuition
The Intensive English Program:
For One 8 - Week Session: $2,385; Health Insurance $150
For One 4 - Week Session: $1,320; Books $180; Health Insurance $75

The Semi-Intensive ESL Program: $100 - $155
Specialty Classes: most 6-week classes cost $270