IEC@OCC Intensive English Program

In Step One of IEC’s 1-2-3 Program, students attend English classes through IEC’s intensive English (often called the “English for Academic Purposes”) program. IEC’s Intensive English courses are specifically designed for students who plan to transfer to an American college or university; therefore, classes are focused on helping students master the academic and English skills necessary to succeed in the American university classroom. IEC’s English curriculum specifically focuses on writing research papers, preparing and giving presentations, and understanding lectures.  After completing IEC’s courses, students enter Step Two of the IEC’s 1-2-3 Program by beginning an academic program at Orange Coast College. 

Intensive English Program Details

• IEC’s Intensive English Program is organized into six levels. Each session is 8 weeks in duration (except Session 2, which is condensed into a 7-week session). The maximum length of the program starting from the lowest level and continuing to the highest level is 12 months or 1 year. 
  
  1. Foundation
  2. Intermediate A
  3. Intermediate B
  4. Intermediate C
  5. Advanced A
  6. Advanced B 
• Students are placed in a level after orientation and complete one level every two months.
• Upon completing Advanced B, students are eligible to enter Orange Coast College without a TOEFL, IELTS, or ITEP scoreAll IEC teachers hold Masters Degrees and have years of teaching experience.
• Classes are held year-round.
• Please note: Unfortunately, IEC does not offer courses for true beginners of English language learning. Prospective IEC students should have basic spelling skills, be able to write sentences, and be able to read and understand simple paragraphs. While students without these skills can still attend IEC, they should be prepared to hire a personal tutor and repeat the foundation-level class until they have mastered these skills.

Conditional Admission

Students who do not have proof of English proficiency may receive conditional admission to OCC degree or certificate programs.  GEC admissions will review both the IEC@OCC Application and the OCC International Student Application.  If the applicant is a high school graduate or 18 years of age and meets the academic requirements for admission to OCC degree or certificate programs, a "Letter of Conditional Admission" will be issued.   

The student will be fully admitted to the OCC degree or certificate program once the English language proficiency requirement has been met.  This condition may be met by completing Advanced B, the highest level of English at IEC.  In this case, the Advanced B level will be accepted instead of other acceptable methods of English proficiency demonstration. A student who is not eligible for conditional admission will be notified and have the option to attend IEC@OCC without conditional admission to OCC degree or certificate programs. 

The International Education Center at Orange Coast College’s mission is to provide an intensive English language program that facilitates the acquisition of English for English Language Learners and prepare them both linguistically and culturally for academic and personal success at college.

IEC@OCC aims to achieve this mission by:

• Maximizing student learning through a student-centered approach to teaching English.

• Designing class activities that aid the expansion and refinement of the four skills - reading,  writing, listening and speaking, particularly as they pertain to thesis driven essays, academic research, and college discussion classes.

• Improving the study and higher-level thinking skills of our students.

• Encouraging our students to develop academic and personal skills in cross-cultural relationships through the exploration of American culture and other cultures.

• Implementing select assessment tools for placement accuracy, verification of progress, and recognition of learning.

• Providing both academic counseling and personal support.

• Offering a variety of extracurricular activities, including educational workshops, social events, and conversation partners.

• Establishing policies that clearly define and regulate the efficient operation of the program.

• Fostering a supportive, professional environment among faculty and administration through professional development opportunities.

• Providing well-qualified instructors teaching in an intensive schedule.

• Ensuring a smooth transition to OCC by integrating students into campus life.