Summer 2024 English Language and Cultural Enrichment (ELCE) Option

The ELCE is an 8-week summer program for students who want to study academic English and U.S. culture to prepare for college admissions and study. This is a non-credit program for students who want to enroll at Penn State. Students will study speaking, listening, reading, and writing and go on field trips in the Philadelphia area. If you complete the Summer ELCE program successfully, Penn State Abington will accept completion of ELCE as proof of English proficiency. You don't need to take another language exam to complete your application!  

student talking to a staff member

Why Attend ELCE?   

  • Small class size   
  • Experienced, qualified instructors  
  • Personalized attention  
  • Fully staffed Office of Global Programs to assist you with your needs  
  • Connections to campus offices and community resources  
  • Opportunities to meet current PSU Abington students 
  • Official part of Penn State University, an internationally recognized school with an extensive alumni network  
  • Completion of ELCE is officially recognized as fulfillment of language proficiency requirements for Penn State (Note: students still need to submit a full application and language scores for review) 

Requirements to Attend ELCE:  

*For students with no language scores, we may be able to provide a limited number of Duolingo tests  

Courses offered:  

  • Academic Interactions 
  • Writing Skills 
  • Reading & Academic Literacies  
  • Conversation & Presentation 
  • The Philly Experience  

Courses and related activities meet for approximately 20 hours per week. Classes meet Monday-Friday.   

group photo in front of Lion Shrine

Dates and Costs:  

June 17, 2024 – August 9, 2024  

8-week Session: $3,250 (included: tuition and materials. DOES NOT include housing, food, or student health insurance)   

All international students are required to have health insurance for themselves, their spouses, and their children. You can buy the insurance offered through the university, or you may bring your own insurance if it is pre-approved by Penn State.

Life in Abington, Pennsylvania:   

three students posing with Nittany Lion

Abington is a safe, beautiful community with many conveniences such as shopping, restaurants, religious institutions, medical facilities, and gyms nearby. It is a 20-minute train ride to Philadelphia and approximately 2 hours from New York and Washington, DC.   

Housing: 

There is a wide variety of apartments around the Abington area. Rents range $895-$2,600 depending on apartment size and number of students. We can refer you to off-campus housing options.  

How to Apply:   

Apply here

The deadline for applications is May 6, 2024, 5 p.m. EST. If you need to apply for a student visa, please allow at least 8 weeks for processing. Please note that there is no guarantee of acceptance.   

For more information: see our website or contact Melanie Boston, Assistant Director, Office of Global Programs: [email protected].   

How to Pay Tuition & Fees/Forms of Payment Accepted  

All tuition payments will be processed by PSU Abington Continuing Education office. Payments may be made by check, credit card, or wire transfer. More details will be provided once your application is received.  

Visa and I-20 Information:  

F1 Visa students must enroll full-time. Please allow a minimum of 8 weeks for processing time. Students should apply to the program at least 8 weeks in advance if they need a visa. Our program works with International Student and Scholar Services (ISSA) and an international student adviser provides guidance on visa and immigration regulations.

ELCE Application Form

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Applicants must be 18 years old or older by the start of classes! The ELCE program is currently only able to accept students who are applying to Penn State and want to improve their language proficiency for college admission. The program focuses on academic English. We do not have any courses for beginner-level students. If you have questions about the program, please contact Melanie Boston at [email protected].

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Permanent home address

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×Please note that the ELCE program is 100 percent in-person. You must be located in the area to take these courses.

please include country code and city code
Are you a spouse or dependent on an F1 or J2 visa?
Are you a transfer student from another intensive English program or school in the U.S.?
(for example: I cannot read small font, I am colorblind, etc.)
Have you been offered conditional admission from Penn State Undergraduate Admissions?
I understand that upon completion of the ELCE program, I will need to apply for an updated I-20 and present the ISSA office with proof of funds sufficient to enroll full-time as an F-1 student.
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