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English Language Institute
HMB E253
(202) 250-2606
(202) 651-5721
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The English Language Institute (ELI), a unit under the School of Language, Education, and Culture, provides an English as a Second Language program for American and international deaf and hard of hearing students. Bilingual instruction in both American Sign Language and written English provides a multicultural environment for ELI students to achieve academic, professional, and personal language goals.
If you’re interested in applying to the ELI, please use the ELI inquiry form.
Learn More
The ELI provides full-time instruction in English as a Second Language (ESL), American Sign Language (ASL), and cross-cultural studies to international and American deaf and hard of hearing adults.
Intensive study, throughout the academic year (late August to mid-May), helps students become proficient in English in order to qualify for admission to Gallaudet or another university in the United States.
Learning English at the ELI is intensive, interactive, and integrated in a rich cultural context. Full time students spend over 18 hours each week in classes, excluding optional classes and tutoring. Students are expected to be responsible for, and actively involved in, their learning. Subjects are taught in a global and coordinated fashion, with an emphasis on visual approaches to learning.
During the ESO, newly-admitted students attend workshops, open a bank account, get a mailbox, and participate in other activities to become familiar with other students, the ELI, Gallaudet, and the Washington DC area.
Learn more about our commitment to diversity and our accreditation status.
Connect with us
Enhance your reading and vocabulary skills with ELI 104 at Gallaudet University. Join our Level IV course for immersive learning and language development!
Enhance your reading and vocabulary skills with ELI 105 at Gallaudet University. Join us to elevate your English proficiency in an engaging learning environment.
Enhance your skills with ELI 106 at Gallaudet University. Prepare for college with focused reading and vocabulary training designed for academic success.
Enhance your writing and grammar skills with ELI 204 at Gallaudet University. Join our Level IV course to improve your English proficiency and confidence!
Enhance your writing skills with Gallaudet University's ELI 205 course. Master advanced grammar and composition in an immersive learning environment. Enroll today!
Enhance your writing and grammar skills with ELI 206 at Gallaudet University. Prepare for college-level challenges and boost your academic confidence today!
Enhance your English skills with ELI 304 at Gallaudet University. This Applied English Level IV course offers immersive learning for advanced language proficiency.
Enhance your English skills with ELI 305 Applied English Level V at Gallaudet University. Dive into advanced language techniques for effective communication.
Prepare for college success with ELI 306 at Gallaudet University. Enhance your English skills and boost your confidence for academic testing. Enroll today!
Join Gallaudet University's ELI 111 course to learn American Sign Language I. Enhance your communication skills and immerse yourself in Deaf culture today!
Enhance your ASL skills with ELI 112 at Gallaudet University. Join our American Sign Language II course to deepen your communication and cultural understanding!
Discover Gallaudet University's ELI 115: Cross-Cultural Communication I. Enhance your understanding of diverse cultures and improve your communication skills effectively!
Enhance your cross-cultural communication skills with ELI 116 at Gallaudet University. Join us to explore diverse perspectives and effective interaction strategies.
Explore ELI 134: Numerical Language I at Gallaudet University, designed to enhance your understanding of numerical concepts through engaging language instruction.
Explore Gallaudet University's ELI 135 Numerical Language II course. Enhance your understanding of numerical concepts in English and improve your communication skills.
Enhance your English skills with ELI 136: Numerical Language III at Gallaudet University. Dive into advanced numerical concepts for effective communication!
ELI students belong to the English Language Institute Students Organization (ELISO), which assists them in developing leadership skills. There is a minimal membership fee collection for each semester to support the organization’s various extra-curricular activities. Please bring a form of dress from your own country...
The ELI Student Orientation (ESO) and the university's New Student Orientation (NSO) ensures a smooth transition to student life for new ELI students, so they are prepared for their studies when the semester begins. During ESO, new ELI students will attend required policy workshops, take...
Discover the application process for Gallaudet University's English Language Institute. Enhance your English skills in a supportive, immersive environment. Apply today!
Explore the costs, dorm options, and meal plans at Gallaudet University's English Language Institute. Discover everything you need for a successful stay!
Discover the admission process for Gallaudet University's English Language Institute. Enhance your English skills in a supportive environment tailored for success.
Gallaudet University is an equal opportunity institution and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, sex, national origin, religion, age, hearing status, disability, covered veteran status, marital status, personal appearance, sexual orientation, family responsibilities, matriculation, political affiliation, source of income, place of business...
The English Language Institute at Gallaudet University is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period December 2019 through December 2029 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S....
Acceptance into the ELI program is an opportunity for you to improve your English skills, expand your academic knowledge, and have fun with new friends. The program is rigorous, and it is an exciting opportunity for those up to the challenge. Academic content is designed...
In 1989 for Deaf Way I, the ELI staff presented a poster presentation paper "English and the Deaf Way: The English Language Institute for Deaf Students" on the purpose and function of the ELI program in the international deaf community. This paper was co-authored by...
ELI has a set of exams that are used for determining student placement, progress, and achievement. The screening tests are part of the ELI application process and are different from the placement tests that are taken during ELI Student Orientation (ESO). During ELI Student Orientation,...
ELI Student Handbook (intranet) Student Affairs and Academic Support Student FERPA Guide ELI Information Release Form (PDF) Office of the Registrar ELI Pre-registration Form (PDF) Tutor Referral Form - English Teachers (PDF) Tutor Referral Form - American Sign Language (ASL) or CCC Teachers (PDF) Tutor...
Gallaudet University is the first university in the world geared toward a deaf student body. The English Language Institute (ELI) here at Gallaudet University uses American Sign Language as the language of instruction. Deaf and hard of hearing people are welcome to apply to the...
In the fall semester of 1986, the English Language Institute was informally established by the then International Center on Deafness (ICD), which was located in HMB 117. Mr. Eli Savanick, the Director of ICD, hired a teacher, Mr. Wayne Smith, and along with an assistant...
View the SLOs for Levels IV to VI below. LEVEL IV Reading: Read English at the low intermediate level as adapted from the ACTFL / CEFR proficiency guidelines. Vocabulary: Acquire vocabulary knowledge consisting of at least 2320 words. Writing: Write English at the low intermediate...
The ELI program provides two semesters of instruction (fall/spring) for returning and new students; and a six-week session in the summer for current students only. The ELI program provides 18 to 25 hours of instruction per week during the fall/spring semester. International ELI students are...
Lecturer II
Lecturer I
All English Language Institute (ELI) students in level IV and above have the option of signing up for speech therapy at the Hearing and Speech Center on campus for a fee, which may be covered by health insurance. The Hearing and Speech Center can be contacted at Contact regarding any questions about the speech therapy it offers.