Learn the English literacy skills you need to qualify for admission to Gallaudet or another university in the United States and to succeed in the next steps in your future and your career
The English Language Institute (ELI) is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation and is a non-degree program that includes classes in the following areas:
- Conversational Skills in American Sign Language (ASL)
- English as a Second Language (ESL), which is taught bilingually in ASL and written English
- Cross-Cultural Communication
- Numerical Language/Mathematics
What’s included in the ELI program?
Lifelong Learning and Support
Our student success rate is high, with a significant number of students completing the ELI at its highest level and gaining admission to university study. Learning English here is intensive, interactive, and integrated into a rich cultural context. Full-time students spend over 18 hours each week in classes, excluding optional courses and tutoring.
We have excellent staff and instructors who will support you through all stages of your career. All of our staff are:
- Deaf or Hard of Hearing
- College Educated
- Globally Diverse
- Knowledgeable and Experienced
- Fluent in both ASL and English
- Sensitive to Multicultural Issues
Get Ready to Join the Gallaudet Community
- Intensive 16-week program (Fall and Spring semesters)
- Numeracy and mathematics skills development
- Local field trips (included in the tuition for ELI)
- English Language Institute Student Organization
- Six-week summer session available when there is sufficient demand
Application Checklist
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All applicants
Choose ELI at Gallaudet University and get ready to influence your future and the world!
Our faculty will work with you to improve your language skills. To assess your English language proficiency level, you will need to take a placement exam to determine the right course of study to fit your learning needs best. ELI students advance through the proficiency levels, increasing mastery of their English literacy. On average, students study at ELI for two to three years.
Deaf or hard of hearing applicants are eligible for admission. Hearing people who plan to major in deaf-related fields or hearing professionals who work with deaf or hard of hearing clients are eligible.
English Language Institute Applicants Checklist
- Complete the online application process
- Follow the application instructions and procedures
English Language Institute Applicants Checklist
Scores on the ACT, SAT, TOEFL, or any other examination are NOT required for admission to the ELI.
The ELI typically accepts applicants with low-intermediate to high-intermediate English skills. During ELI Student Orientation, students take placement exams to gauge proficiency levels and place students into appropriate class levels.
The applicant will need to have finished high school, college, or the highest secondary schooling possible in their home country.
Transcripts should include some form of separate writing and reading classes, as well as mathematics, history, science, and geography classes. These classes represent a liberal arts education. In certain circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, the ELI admission requirement for a secondary school certificate of completion/high school diploma can be waived.
International students are required to have a valid F-1 or J-1 visa. Here’s how the process works:
First, you must show proof of financial ability to pay all costs associated with attending Gallaudet’s ELI, including tuition, room and board, and books and supplies.
After Gallaudet receives the appropriate documentation from you illustrating financial support, the University can supply you with a completed I-20 or DS-2019 form. You will need this form to get a visa. Then you will take the completed I-20 or DS-2019 form and copies of your admission documents to an American embassy or consulate to request an F-1 or J-1 visa. Canadian students do not need a visa.
Application Deadlines
Please be advised that if you are an international ELI applicant, you will have different deadlines than U.S. applicants do due to Homeland Security requirements. The deadline for international students also considers the time needed to apply for an F-1 or J-1 visa at your American embassy or consulate.
It takes about two months to process and grant most visa applications. Only after being given a visa can you buy a plane ticket to come to Washington, DC.
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Contact Us
- English Language Institute
- HMB | E253
- click to show email
- (202) 651-5721
- (202) 250-2606
