Take your skills to a higher level with online courses if you are not able to come to the UMBC to study English with us. These courses are taught online. Some of the courses (e.g. TESOL certificate, Advanced Writing, Advanced Grammar, etc.) allow you to study at your own pace so you can study anytime and anywhere to fit your lifestyle.
The UMBC ELI online courses are interactive – they combine video recorded and self-guided lectures, practical and applied assignments, and individual and group online work.
Courses & Descriptions
Skill-Focused (online short-term)
Global Conversation Skills (with a UMBC ELI Instructor) 8 classes
The Global Conversation Skills (with a UMBC ELI Instructor) is an instructor-led course and gives you a place where you can improve your speaking skills through conversation with people from around the world. For non-English speakers, it is a special place to practice your English once a week and learn practical “real life” English through fun topics and activities. COURSE FEE (Once a week): $180 per session (8 classes)
The Global Conversation Skills (with a UMBC ELI Instructor) is an instructor-led course and gives you a place where you can improve your speaking skills through conversation with people from around the world. For non-English speakers, it is a special place to practice your English twice a week and learn practical “real life” English through fun topics and activities. COURSE FEE (Once a week): $250 per session (16 classes)
This course is a FREE and casual version of the Global Conversation Skills Course. The Global Conversation Cafe gives you a chance to speak with people from around the world who love cultural exchange and meet new friends. Speaking in a group setting requires a set of special skills different from a one-on-one situation. For non-English speakers, it is also a special place for practicing learning practical English through fun topics and activities. Seats are limited. When we receive a larger number of applications, we will randomly choose participants.
The Cafe is currently held online every Friday, 9:00 – 11:30 am in the U.S. EDT. If you are interested, please send your full name and email address to eli@umbc.edu to receive a link to join.
Test Preparation (online or in-person)
This 7-week course is designed for intermediate- and advanced-level English learners who plan to take the International English Language Testing System (IELTS) test. As part of this course, students will work on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Course instruction focuses on the specific elements that are tested by the IELTS. Students also learn test-taking strategies and practice the language and academic skills the IELTS test requires. Through consistent work, practice, and completion of assignments, students increase their chance of achieving a desirable IELTS score and improve their preparation for university study.
This 7-week course is designed for intermediate- and advanced-level English learners who plan to take the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) test. As part of this course, students will work on reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills. Course instruction focuses on the specific elements that are tested by the TOEFL. Students also learn test-taking strategies and practice the language and academic skills the TOEFL test requires. Through consistent work, practice, and completion of assignments, students increase their chance of achieving a desirable TOEFL score and improve their preparation for university study.
Learn to Teach English (with Certificate; online or in-person)
This intensive 15-week, non-credit course is designed for professionals and recent college graduates who are interested in exploring the TESOL field as a future career opportunity. The course provides an overview of the theories and methods of teaching the English language. Participants learn about different types of language learners and their profiles and discuss historic and current methods of teaching the English language. Fundamentals of lesson planning and organization will also be presented, discussed, and practiced. This course further provides an overview and practice of the instructional methods and approaches for teaching the core English language skills of speaking, listening, reading, and writing. Participants will also engage in practical experience with language learners by tutoring, observing classes, and teaching. Upon completion of this course, participants earn a 100+ hour TESOL Certificate.