Wilkes University's Intensive English Program Nationally Recognized

Wilkes becomes UCIEP member, making it the fourth Pennsylvania school to receive such recognition

Wilkes-Barre, PA (12/18/2017) — Wilkes University has been granted membership to University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP), an independent consortium representing the highest professional standards for intensive English programs in the United States. Wilkes is one of four Pennsylvania schools, and one of just 80 nationwide, to be recognized for its commitment to ensuring that students receive the highest quality intensive English instruction from trained, professional teachers.

In addition to Wilkes, member schools from Pennsylvania include the University of Pennsylvania, Drexel University and the University of Pittsburgh.

"This recognition reflects what we already know: Wilkes continues to evolve to a university of national prominence," said University President Patrick F. Leahy. "I want to thank UCIEP for recognizing Wilkes among the finest institutions in the country for intensive English instruction."

Established in 2006, the Wilkes University Intensive English Program is a program lasting just over 13 weeks that immerses international students in English language and American culture. It prepares international students to continue their studies at Wilkes or other American universities by focusing on reading, writing, listening, speaking and academic vocabulary. It also prepares students for the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) and the International English Language Testing System (IELTS).

As part of the nearly two-year application process, Wilkes was assessed on setting and achieving high-academic standards, providing a comprehensive process for language teaching and learning, actively promoting the highest professional standards, and adequately preparing students for success at the university or college level, both in terms of English proficiency, and academic and cultural orientation.

"Our goal is to provide the highest quality English instruction, which shows in our student success rates and the way they perform during and after the program," said director of the Intensive English Program, Kimberly Niezgoda. "We place a strong emphasis on mentoring our students and meeting their individual language needs, providing the best academic experience possible."

For more information on Wilkes University's Intensive English Program, go to www.wilkes.edu/iep.

About Wilkes University:

Wilkes University is an independent institution of higher education dedicated to academic and intellectual excellence through mentoring in the liberal arts, sciences and professional programs. Founded in 1933, the university is on a mission to create one of the great small universities, offering all of the programs, activities and opportunities of a large, research university in the intimate, caring and mentoring environment of a small, liberal arts college, at a cost that is increasingly competitive with public universities. The Economist named Wilkes 25th in the nation for the value of its education for graduates. In addition to 43 bachelor's degree programs, Wilkes offers 25 master's degree programs and five doctoral/terminal degree programs, including the doctor of philosophy in nursing, doctor of nursing practice, doctor of education, doctor of pharmacy, and master of fine arts in creative writing. Learn more at www.wilkes.edu.

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