About the ELI

Our Mission

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 35 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.

Our Accreditation

Mercer University's ELI is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation for the period August 2020 through August 2025 and agrees to uphold the CEA Standards for English Language Programs and Institutions. CEA is recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education as a nationally recognized accrediting agency for English language programs and institutions in the U.S. For further information about this accreditation, please contact CEA, 1001 North Fairfax Street, Suite 630, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.

Our Professional Affiliations

Mercer University’s ELI is a proud member of UCIEP, a consortium of University and College Intensive English Programs, and EnglishUSA, the American Association of Intensive English Programs.