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International Intensive English Programs

international students work together in their intensive english program class

You have big plans for your future, and a good place to start is improving your language skills. We've been helping students from all over the world for more than 40 years!

The Intensive English Program (IEP) at Southeast Missouri State University offers high-quality English language instruction with expert teachers, affordable tuition, cultural programs, and 1-1 advising.

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Programs Available

Whether you want to study English for academic, professional, or personal reasons, SEMO has a program for you.

Our high-quality program offers a life-changing cultural experience in beautiful Cape Girardeau. Be part of a safe and welcoming university community and focus on English language skills to meet your academic or professional goals. 
  • Study more than 20 hours each week and see real results quickly.
  • Academic and cultural advisors are available to students.
  • Students will get conversation practice and take part in social activities.
  • Conditional Admission to Southeast Missouri State University is available
  • Choose admission for IEP Only, Conditional Admission to an undergraduate (bachelor’s) degree, Conditional Admission to a graduate (master’s) degree, or IEP Pathway.

Learn more about the dates and costs of the program.

This program can be delivered both online and on campus.

  • Choose the topic and style of program for 3-6 weeks.
  • Flexible schedules and costs meet your goals.
  • Learn U.S. culture and practice language skills with your group of 8-10 students.

LEVELS

First, you'll take placement exams to measure your skills and make an academic plan with your advisor. Then you'll work with top quality teachers to improve your English skills. In each level, you'll also practice skills for U.S. college classes, like using SEMO email, interacting with professors, taking notes from reading and lectures, taking university exams, participating in class discussions, and using academic sources.

  • CEFR A1
  • For students who are new to English
  • General English skills, including Reading, Writing, Listening, Speaking, Vocabulary, Grammar, and Interaction
  • Grade of C or higher required to begin next-level courses
  • Goal: Recognize, understand, and use some words and basic phrases in English

  • CEFR A2
  • Beginner
  • Courses: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, Writing and Grammar
  • Grade of C or higher required to begin next-level courses
  • Goal: Understand and use some common English phrases related to familiar topics

  • CEFR A2+
  • Beginner+
  • Courses: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, Writing and Grammar
  • Grade of C or higher required to begin next-level courses
  • Goal: Understand and use simple English related to general situations like family, hometown, and preferences

  • CEFR B1
  • Intermediate
  • Courses: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, Writing and Grammar
  • Grade of C or higher required to begin next-level courses
  • Goal: Understand the main idea from short, well-organized readings or listenings. Briefly express and explain opinions in speaking and writing.

  • CEFR B1+
  • Intermediate+
  • Courses: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, Writing and Grammar
  • Grade of C or higher required to begin next-level courses
  • Goal: Understand main ideas and important details from well-organized readings or listening on academic topics. Use sources to defend arguments in speaking and writing.
  • Level 4 courses can be used for a bachelor's degree (up to 12 IEP credits total). Course grades appear on SEMO transcripts and GPA.

  • CEFR B2
  • High Intermediate
  • Exit level for students with Conditional Admission to an undergraduate (bachelor's) program at SEMO
  • Courses: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, Writing and Grammar
  • Grade of C or higher required to begin next-level courses
  • Goal: Understand arguments and support in academic readings and lectures. Express and defend viewpoints in well-developed writing and presentations. 
  • Level 5 courses can be used for a bachelor's degree (up to 12 IEP credits total). Course grades appear on SEMO transcripts and GPA.

  • CEFR B2 - C1
  • High Intermediate - Advanced
  • Exit level for students with Conditional Admission to a graduate (master's) program at SEMO
  • Courses: Listening and Speaking, Reading and Vocabulary, Writing and Grammar
  • Average grade of B with no grade lower than C required to complete Grad CAP.
  • More than just another level, the Graduate Conditional Admission Program (CAP) asks students to interact with English in new ways, expanding their fluency and creativity. Grad CAP students deal with academic material and unfamiliar topics, and prepare for advanced graduate courses in their field of study. 

Which admission type is right for you?

  • two students sit in Kent Library, studying together

    IEP Only

    IEP-only admission is best for people who want to improve English for personal or professional reasons. You can study for 8 weeks or more, completing as many IEP levels as you want. You'll have the same high-quality teachers, advisors, dormitory options, and campus services that all IEP students enjoy.

  • a student sits outside on the SEMO campus and studies

    Conditional Admission - Undergraduate

    Conditional Admission - Undergraduate is for students who have completed high school and want to study a bachelor's degree at SEMO. If you meet the academic admission requirements but don't have the English proficiency test score for direct admission, Conditional Admission is the place to start.

    When you complete IEP level 5 courses, you'll have full admission to SEMO. Some students with Conditional Admission will study 1 semester in the IEP Pathway -- your academic advisor will help you plan the best schedule for you.

    Up to 12 credits from IEP levels 4 and 5 can be used for your SEMO bachelor's degree.

  • two students walk together across campus

    IEP Pathway

    Conditional Admission - Graduate is for students who have completed a bachelor's degree and want to study a master's degree at SEMO. If you meet the academic admission requirements but don't have the English proficiency test score for direct admission, Conditional Admission is the place to start.

    You'll start Grad CAP courses after level 5 (you can also use an English test to place directly in Grad CAP classes). When you complete IEP Grad CAP courses with at least a B average, you'll have full admission to SEMO. 

    IEP Pathway is not available for students with graduate conditional admission.

  • a student sits on a bench under the Kent Library portico and does homework

    IEP Pathway

    The IEP Pathway is for students who have completed high school, meet the IEP Pathway English language requirement, and want to study a bachelor's degree at SEMO. You'll study some level 4 and 5 courses, and take academic courses for your major.

    Up to 12 credits from IEP levels 4 and 5 can be used for your SEMO bachelor's degree.

    Learn more on the IEP Pathway webpage.

Become a Redhawk

Interested in becoming a Redhawk? Get your application in now!

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Cost of the Program

The cost of the program includes lessons per week, tutoring, and access to SEMO clubs, the recreation center, and cultural events.
More about IEP Cost

Dates and Deadlines

Dates of IEP orientation and class sessions
Schedule Fall A 2026 Fall B 2026 Fall A 2027 fall b 2027 summer 2027

Orientation

August 20 - 21

October 15 - 16

January 14 - 15

March 18 - 19

8-week session

August 24 - October 16

October 19 - December 18

January 19 - March 10

March 22 - May 14

Not offered 2027

IEP Student Resources

SEMO's Intensive English Programs (IEP) provide individual academic advisors, conversation partners, cultural activities, and modern study spaces. 

IEP Curriculum and Student Resources

Hussain S. Al-ghawi, Saudi Arabia

Hussain S. Al-ghawi, Saudi Arabia

Hear from our students!

I love IEP at SEMO! I came to US and my English language was very bad. Then, I enrolled at IEP and I finished the graduate level. Indeed, I got my master degree in TESOL at SEMO, too. Today, I have become a very good English teacher because of the IEP. Moreover, all the staff and English teachers were always smiling, so I feel like it is a little family. Hence, I'm not only saying that IEP the best place to improve your English skills, but also to make your dreams come true, and I am one of them. Thank you IEP!

FAQs

Conditional admission is for students who meet the academic requirements for admission, but don’t have an exam score that meets the English proficiency requirement. If you apply for conditional admission, you’ll take English classes until you’re ready to start your academic program. Students with conditional admission don’t need to take the IELTS Academic or TOEFL iBT exams. 

All SEMO's undergraduate programs, and most graduate programs, offer conditional admission. Be sure to check the other admission requirements for your program before you apply. 

Yes! Apply for “IEP only” and study 

Your total study time will depend on your goals and your scores on placement exams. You can expect to complete 1 level in 2 months (8 weeks) for English Foundations and academic levels 1-5. Grad CAP is 4 months (16 weeks), and not available in summer. Most students complete their program in about six months. We can develop short-term programs to work with your group’s schedule. 

  • IEP-only students, including visiting students from partner universities, can complete their studies in October, December, March, May, or July. Don’t worry—even if you don’t complete every level before you return home, you can request a certificate to show your highest level completed.
  • Students with conditional admission to an undergraduate (bachelor’s) program must complete IEP level 5 for full admission. Some advanced students who do not complete level 5 before the next semester (August or January) can study 1-2 academic courses while they are finishing level 5. This is called “bridging.” Other students fully complete level 5 and take only academic classes in the next semester (August or January). Your IEP academic advisor will help you plan your first academic semester.
  • Students with conditional admission to a graduate (master’s) program must complete Grad CAP for full admission. Grad CAP is a full-semester program (August-December or January-May). Completers will take academic classes in the next semester (August or January). Bridging is not possible for Grad CAP students.

IEP has a special rate for each 8-week session. Read more about costs. We can develop short-term programs to work with your group’s budget. 

When you arrive, you will take a placement test to find the best level for you. IEP students never have to take standardized tests like TOEFL iBT or IELTS Academic, even if they are conditionally admitted to Southeast Missouri State University. 

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International Viewbook

View our interactive digital brochure for more information on our international programs.

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International Education and Services

Contact Us

Location

Office

1025 N. Sprigg
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701

Mailing Address

One University Plaza, MS 2000
Cape Girardeau, MO 63701