English Language Institute

The mission of the English Language Institute at Mercer University is to empower international students to develop the English language proficiency necessary for personal, academic, and professional success.

In addition, the faculty and staff of the ELI strive to provide a tolerant and supportive community in which students are encouraged to develop cross-cultural friendships, engage in service, and explore concepts of global citizenship and international cooperation.

Our History

The English Language Institute (ELI) has provided quality English instruction to students from around the world for over 30 years. Students who have completed the ELI program have entered undergraduate and graduate programs at some of the most prestigious colleges and universities in the U.S. and the entire world. Our graduates have gone on to become leaders in their fields of study, in their own countries and even in the U.S.

Our Model

Mercer’s English Language Institute is an Intensive English Program (IEP) which prepares students to effectively use English in personal, social, professional, and academic contexts.  Students in our Academic English Program are enrolled in face-to-face classes 22 hours per week.  We also offer short-term, specialized programs for groups of 10 or more students.  Short-term programs typically offer a mix of our IEP courses and specialized courses developed for the group; instructional hours vary between 18 and 30+ hours a week, depending on the group needs.