Focus of Study :
Core classes, which meet for a total of 20 hours per week, are the foundation of the ELI program of study. “Required core classes” are offered each session at each level and consist of Reading/Writing, Speaking/Listening and Grammar.

Benefit, Goal of this course :
-Culturally Speaking is a conversation class in which ELI students meet with US students for informal conversation, primarily about cultural topics. The class, which meets for 2 hours per week, is required for new students and optional for continuing students. -Each session, the ELI plans a variety of activities that allow students to visit areas in Alabama and in the southeastern United States, practice their English skills, and become better acquainted with their teachers and each other. Typical student activities include movies, concerts, shopping, recreational sports, and weekend trips to nearby locations–the beach, the mountains, and cities such as Atlanta, New Orleans, and Memphis. -When not in class, ELI students may use the ELI Study Center, where they can check out books, listen to audio materials, and watch videos, including popular movies. In addition, students can receive individual instruction and assistance from qualified tutors in the ELI Study Center

Curriculum :
For those seriously interested in improving their English and academic skills and preparing for university study in a relatively short period of time, the ELI provides the services and benefits of the only intensive English language program in Tuscaloosa. This intensive program consists of up to 20 class hours per week of beginning-level through advanced-level instruction. Beginning and intermediate classes teach communicative skills and integrate listening, speaking and pronunciation in one module and reading, writing and grammar in a second, week-long module. Advanced classes continue to reinforce basic skills while emphasizing academic skills.

Classroom Hour :

For core classes, students typically have RW (Reading/Writing) and SL (Speaking/Listening) classes in the morning and STR (Structure) classes in the early afternoon. Some core classes have alternate meeting times. ELEC (Elective) courses and CS (Culturally Speaking) courses take place before or after the core classes. Classes meet from 9 to 4:30, Monday to Friday. Class schedule may vary for each level.