English Language Institute

The English Language Institute was first established as the English as a Second Language Program at Binghamton University in 1984. The ELI is part of the Division of Academic Affairs and its courses are University-Wide Courses, in line with its mission to support multilingual students in all schools across campus. Our credit-bearing academic English classes in pronunciation, speaking and listening, and reading and writing are offered for advanced multilingual English-language learners at both the undergraduate and graduate level.

Together with University Tutorial Services, we provide English-language tutoring that plays an important role in our program; trained tutors meet one-on-one with students to assist with a variety of linguistic, social or academic difficulties.

Additional support programs include the English Conversation Pairs Program, ESA Conversation Circles, and the ELI Mentoring Program which all provide more access to English and opportunities for cross-cultural understanding, among other volunteer and academic opportunities.

A unique aspect to Binghamton University's ELI is the inclusion of English Speaking Assistants (ESAs) in our academic courses. Juniors and seniors apply and interview to be ESAs as part of a practicum in college teaching course. The course provides a theoretical and practical exposure to the teaching of English language and at the same time provides for more one-on-one interaction for students, strengthening the classroom community and the campus culture at large.

Our Mission

The mission of the English Language Institute is to support students and the wider Binghamton University community with academic English-language courses, programming, mentoring, and tutoring. We are dedicated to creating opportunities leading to professional and academic success for all students. The ELI strives to create community among students and offices on campus to achieve the goals of Binghamton University.

Welcome to the English Language Institute at Binghamton University!