Welcome!

Come and join us in sunny Southern California and experience the California dream! We know you’ll choose Riverside for the same reasons we love it. The sun is always shining, the people are very friendly and internationally minded, the cost of living is much lower than the bigger cities and Riverside is the best central location in Southern California to visit all the famous sites you are going to want to see – Disneyland, Hollywood, San Diego, the beautiful California beaches, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, to name a few.

At the University of California, Riverside, you may choose from a variety of English language programs, academic preparation and Pathways to undergraduate programs, and professional certificate and diploma programs in a broad range of fields. Since 1975, the Intensive English Program (IEP) has developed its curriculum to provide students with the best learning experience.

With approximately 4,500 yearly enrollments in all programs offered, UCR-IEP has one of the largest and most respected ESL programs in the United States.

So, come and experience the California dream with us at the UCR– your place to shine!

English Language Programs

Intensive English Program

• 4-, 6-, 8- and 10-week sessions. Up to 24 hours per week of instruction.
• 6 levels, from beginner to advanced.
• Small classes (average 14 students per class) with students from more than 35 countries.
• Private or group conversational partner at no additional cost (10-week session).
• Undergraduate, transferable University of California credit given for advanced and high advanced levels (10-week session).
• Institutional TOEFL & TOEIC exams offered every quarter.
• UCR Extension classes with American students at a discounted fee to students at advanced levels (10-week sessions).

Improving Oral Fluency Program

Those with advanced English language skills enhance their speaking and listening through group practice as well as through individualized feedback. Special attention is given to pronunciation, grammar and cross-cultural interaction and awareness.

English for International Business

Participants learn basic American business practices and acquire English language skills for use in an academic or professional setting. Program is offered in 4-week and 10-week sessions.

English for Academic Purposes

Program designed for advanced-level students preparing to enter a college or university graduate or undergraduate program. You’ll learn critical reading and writing skills necessary to succeed in the American university setting.

Conversation & American Culture Program

For those who have only 3 weeks for language study, for those who want to combine studies with trips to exciting sites of Southern California, or for anyone who wishes to improve speaking and listening skills. Program is offered in three-week sessions throughout the year.

UCR International Pathway Programs

UCR Admission Preparation Program (UCR-APP)

This is a 9-month foundation program offered to students who have met the academic requirements to UCR but have not completed the SAT and/or TOEFL requirements. The program combines advanced level English study and academic skills preparation with the opportunity to take UCR credit classes, which are fully transferable to your UCR undergraduate program

UCR International Transfer Track (UCR-ITT)

This a cooperative program between UCR and selected California Community Colleges allows students to gain admission to UCR by completing their first two years at a Community College and transfer back to UCR for the final two years, leading to an undergraduate degree from UCR.

University Credit Program (UCP)

The program provides visiting students from other countries, enrolled in academic programs at home, the opportunity to study with American students by taking UC Riverside Extension classes or UC Riverside undergraduate or graduate classes. The 12-week UCP program is designed for those who have a demonstrated advanced understanding of English and who are strong academic students.

Academic Summer Session

During the summer quarter UCP students are eligible for Extension classes only. Students wishing to take UCR undergraduate and graduate courses must enroll in a UCR Academic Summer Session, which is subject to separate fees. Summer Sessions are offered in 5-week sessions. Students can take two courses each 5-week session.

Professional Certificate and Diploma Programs

Academic-year Certificate Programs (AYCP)

Designed for high school graduates and business professionals and include 9 months of full-time study in a late afternoon and evening format in a wide variety of professional areas, leading to a UC Riverside Extension Certificate. Students who successfully complete the full requirements for any 9-month Certificate may apply to obtain work authorization for up to 12 months in their field of study in the U.S.

Postgraduate Certificates and Diplomas in Management and Hospitality (PGDM and PGDHM)

For students who hold a bachelor’s degree in any area, the Postgraduate Programs provide a comprehensive exploration of the issues of management in a global business environment that gives students the opportunity to combine academic study, intensive practical experience, and paid on-the-job work experience. Participants have the opportunity to network with professionals from around the world, and are provided maximum exposure to American business practices. The Postgraduate Programs offer two concentrations, Business Management and Hospitality Management. The program is structured into three 12-week sessions and study is full-time. Students in either program complete a common first quarter which comprises five core courses focusing on the fundamentals of management. Each course is delivered in a 2-week module format. Participants can take one or more individual modules. Upon successful completion of the first quarter and all five modules, students exiting the program qualify for a Postgraduate Certificate in Management.

Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages Certificate Program (TESOL)

This is a comprehensive teacher development program that allows current teachers or prospective teachers planning to teach abroad to learn the most up-to-date North American teaching trends and methods and earn an internationally recognized teaching Certificate.

Housing Options:

• On-campus International Residence Center (IRC)
• American family homestay
• On-campus International Village (IV)

Student Activities:

• We organize dances, parties and many other social activities to help you make new friends and enjoy your free time.
• All programs include several optional trips to tourist attractions and sports events on the West Coast such as: Disneyland, Universal Studios, Magic Mountain, Knott's Berry Farm, Sea World, Waterparks, Basketball Games (Lakers), Beaches, Shopping Centers, Beverly Hills, Hollywood, Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Santa Barbara, Palm Springs, Las Vegas, Concerts, Musicals, Hard Rock Cafe, Museums, San Diego Zoo, Grand Canyon
• Sports Facilities: including tennis courts, swimming pool, volleyball courts, basketball courts, soccer fields and gymnasium.

The City Of Riverside

• Safe, friendly, small-town atmosphere with big-city services.
• Warm and dry climate with cool nights.
• 70 kilometers east of Los Angeles and within an hour's drive of beaches, ski resorts, Disneyland, Hollywood and other recreational centers.