University Express: Program Highlights

University Express^SM employs a unique team approach to provide participants with the necessary academic and cultural training for study at an American university. Each student has a personal advising team consisting of a principal tutor, course instructors, and an admissions counselor. Each advising team works closely with individual students to prepare them for successful transition to a U.S. university. University Express^SM courses are offered by the Texas Intensive English Program (TIEP). Instructors are experienced, highly-trained professionals with master's or Ph.D. degrees.

Comprehensive University Preparation:

• Intensive English for Academic Purposes
  During this intensive 20-hour-per-week course, delivered in small, multi-national classes, students enhance their English language proficiency. Class activities and assignments focus on academic preparation including:
• Listening to lectures
• Taking notes
• Giving academic presentations
• Reading intensively and extensively
• Developing academic vocabulary
• Writing essays
• Conducting Internet and library research


• Study Skills
  During group and individual study skills instruction, students learn to:
• Develop effective study skills
• Manage their time
• Manage stress
• Organize materials
• Strengthen critical thinking skills


• Individual & Group Tutorials
  Tutors meet with students every week. Tutorials include:
• Individual needs assessment
• Regular monitoring of progress
• Academic advising
• Individualized English language instruction, as needed
• Preparation for standardized tests, as needed


• Test Preparation
  Students develop and practice essential test-taking skills for standardized exams such as:
  *TOEFL   *SAT   *GRE   *GMAT    *LSAT   *MCAT



• Intercultural Communication/
  University Culture Enrichment
  Students are oriented to U.S. university culture and trained to communicate effectively with Americans in diverse environments through:
• Social, academic, and cultural information
• Cultural observation exercises
• Structured intercultural experiences

Additional Features:

• University Placement Service
  An Admissions Counselor meets regularly with students to support them throughout the university admission process. Services include:
• Orientation to the admission process
• Guidance in selecting appropriate university options
• Assistance with applications:
• meeting deadlines
• registering for required exams
• completing and submitting required forms
• monitoring admission status

For an additional fee, TIEC can assist students in applying for conditional admission to selected TIEC universities, as part of their efforts to obtain an F-1 (student) visa. Request additional information on the University Express^SM application form.

• University Course Auditing (Second Semester)
  University Express^SM students experience the U.S. university classroom firsthand by attending a semester-long course. The advising team will guide students in selecting appropriate courses from several local universities and colleges.


• Enrichment Activities
  Extracurricular events and activities available to University Express^SM students include cultural activities, volunteer opportunities, social events, and university athletic events.