Intensive English Academy

Learn Engl​ish in Beautiful Southern California!

The Intensive English Academy (IEA) is a high-quality intensive English program focused on English skills needed for entering an American university or college. The program stresses academic English preparation as well as conversational skills.
 
The IEA is also ideal for students who want a unique American cultural experience.  Our resort location makes it a great place for students to learn English, enjoy outdoor activities, and make new friends!
 
Learn more about the IEA by viewing our online brochure:  Intensive English Academy Brochure

IEA Program O​ptions:

Whether you want to learn English to prepare for university study or to practice your language skills in an exciting environment, the IEA has a program for you!  We offer Standard Programs that are 8 and 16 weeks in length, as well as a Summer Accelerated Program.
 
The IEA offers courses from Beginning to Advanced levels.  (Applicants should be able to read and write the English alphabet and to speak and respond to simple questions in English)

IEA Standard P​rograms:

IEA Standard Programs offer 30 hours per week of learning including 25 hours per week of classroom instruction and 5 hours per week in College of the Desert's Foreign Language Lab.  Standard programs are offered in August, October, January and April. Students in the Standard program must complete 16 weeks of study to advance to the next level.

Classes​ Include:

​Class Name Hours Per Week​
Grammar​ 5 hours​
Reading​ 5 hours​
Oral Communication​ 5 hours​
Writing​ 5 hours​
Conversation/Vocabulary Building​ 5 hours​

IEA 8 Week Summ​er Accelerated Program:

The IEA's 8-Week Summer Accelerated Program offers 32 hours per week of learning including 27 hours per week of classroom instruction, a minimum of two hours in our Foreign Language Lab, and educational field trips.  This program is offered in June and July.  Students completing this program will advance to the next level after 8 weeks.

Classes​ Include:

​Class Name Hours Per Week​
Grammar​ 7.5 hours​
Reading​ 6 hours​
Oral Communication​ 6 hours​
Writing​ 7.5 hours​

Certificates of C​ompletion:

All students receive official grade reports at the end of each session.  Grade reports indicate letter grades and are used to determine if the student is able to advance to the next level.
 
Upon completion of our Advanced Level (Level 3), students will receive a Certificate of Completion indicating their achievement.
 

In addition, students who complete our Advanced Level are eligible to enter College of the Desert without the TOEFL or IELTS!

IEA Program ​Tuition Costs:

​Program USD Tuition Cost​
8 Week Standard Program Tuition:​ $2,100​
16 Week Standard Program Tuition:​ $3,850​
8 Week Summer Accelerated Program Tuition:​ $2,600​

IEA Program Tuiti​on Includes:

  • 25 hours per week of class instruction (Standard Program)
  • 27 hours per week of classroom instruction (8-Week Summer Accelerated
  • Program)
  • 5 hours per week of use of computer language lab facilities
  • Access to College of the Desert facilities
  • Various activities 

    Save money! Registering for a 16 week session will save you $250 over the cost of registering for two 8 week sessions!

    Compare our prices!  You will find that the IEA is often less expensive than other programs offering the same amount of instruction.  In addition, we include many activities in our tuition price.

    Additionally, our local cost of living is less expensive than other California destinations.

    How To Apply ​to the IEA:

    The international student application to the Intensive English Academy (IEA) is easy and the response time is fast!  Just click on the "Apply Now​" link at the top of the blue navigation bar to the left of the screen!