Individualized Study Program (ISP)
Our Individualized Study Program allows international students over the age of 18 to experience a Top 10 public university and study with colleagues from around the world. The program focuses on improving communication skills, building confidence in using English, and learning about and experiencing American culture in a university setting. Students enroll in 2 courses over 2-, 4-, or 6-week sessions. Multiple program intakes and flexible schedules allow for culturally diverse classrooms.
Additionally, students will have the opportunity to attend a variety of special presentations, advising sessions, and social events over the course of their program, interacting with students from various DCE programs and courses. Students will build practical skills, gain invaluable experiences, and better prepare themselves to accomplish their academic, career, and personal goals.
Program Benefits
- Develop the skills necessary to communicate more effectively in English
- Engage in an active learning environment to put into practice the skills acquired
- Participate in a variety of cultural events and presentations
- Learn about UC Irvine and how to enhance your academic and professional career
Eligibility and Requirements
- Available to students 18 years and older
- F-1 visas are not required (no I-20s issued) for this part-time, incidental study program
Instructors
Read the biographies of selected instructors you will be learning from.
Partner Inquiries
Are you a partner interested in sending a group of students? Email dce-isp@ce.uci.edu.
Individualized Study Program Overview
Program
Approximate Tuition
$1095 per 2-week sessionFormat
UC Irvine CampusDuration
2, 4 or 6 weeksHave Questions?
Talk to an enrollment coach
Call: (949) 824-5414
Monday - Friday, 9am - 4pm (Pacific)
Program Cost
Program Fees
The following program fees include a non-refundable $200 application fee, a student services fee ($100/session), tuition for two courses per session, special events, and up to 6 hours of conversation practice per session.
- 2-Week Session: $1,395
- 4-Week Session: $2,590
- 6-Week Session: $3,785
Optional Fees
- UC Irvine Health Insurance: $75 per week
- Airport Pick-Up Service: $75 one way (LAX to UC Irvine)
- Weekend cultural activities: price varies
Program Schedule
Courses that are offered multiple times will not repeat curriculum, allowing students to continue a course, such as Speaking & Listening or American Culture, for up to 6 weeks. Special presentations, advising sessions, social events, and/or opportunities to practice conversation with UC Irvine students and DCE staff will be offered to all students at no additional cost.
Feb 2 - Feb 13: Session A
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- Film Workshop for Language Learners
- Advanced Writing
Feb 17 - Feb 27: Session B
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- Film Workshop for Language Learners
- Advanced Writing
Mar 2 - Mar 13: Session C
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
Aug 3 - Aug 14: Session A
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- ESL for Pharmacy & Biology
- Film Workshop for Language Learners
- Advanced Writing
Aug 17 - Aug 28: Session B
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
- Film Workshop for Language Learners
- Advanced Writing
Aug 31 - Sep 11: Session C
- Speaking & Listening (required), plus one of the following:
- American Culture
- Business Communication
Course Descriptions
Students all take Speaking & Listening and one elective course of their choice. No textbooks are required. Students will be provided with course materials.
This course is offered at varying levels of English proficiency to help students improve their speaking and listening skills while learning about American culture. Students will learn and practice language appropriate for common everyday situations. The instructional methods used in the class are interactive and communicative, and students will have many chances to speak and participate during class.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving general English language skills
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime between 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
This course is offered at varying levels of English proficiency to help students learn about and understand selected topics in the culture of the US and Southern California and the principles behind them. Students will create a final project, such as a poster, presentation, skit, or video, to compare an aspect of American culture, such as a custom, holiday, or tradition, with their own culture.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving general English language skills
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime between 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
This course is designed to maximize oral participation and listening comprehension in a business context. Students will explore business topics and news while focusing on English listening comprehension and oral communication skills. Students experience authentic business language through group role-plays, discussions, and listening to current news and speeches by key business leaders.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving general business and career-related English language skills
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime between 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
The goal of this course is to help intermediate-level students improve their ability to use English in discussing and working with several topics related to pharmacy and biology, such as medical equipment and procedures, case studies, and life science research. They will learn and use new vocabulary related to the topics covered and practice describing causes and effects involved in those topics.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving general business and career-related English language skills
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime between 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
This course is designed to help intermediate and advanced learners of English improve their writing skills, specifically focusing on academic writing. Students will learn to develop and express ideas effectively for a variety of purposes, audiences, and occasions. Students will gain more confidence in their ability to express themselves clearly in written English.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving their skills in written academic English
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime between 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
This course provides intermediate to advanced learners of English a unique opportunity to explore the fundamentals of filmmaking, including production, scriptwriting, directing, and editing while enhancing their English language skills in a meaningful and interactive manner.
Instructor: various
Recommended for: students interested in improving their English language skills while learning about filmmaking
Schedule: M-F, daily meetings will be held sometime between 9am-12pm
Total Units: 1.5 (13.5 hours)
Note on Courses: Course content and schedules are subject to change at the University’s discretion. All courses taught in English and open to international and domestic students. Courses with less than 15 students enrolled may be cancelled. Courses are graded on an A-F scale (letter grades).