To assure your success in your studies at Stamford International University, we have designed an intensive English program, STEP* (Stamford Total English Program), that will help you bring your English skills to university level.

 If you do not have TOEFL / IELTS / SAT scores to indicate your preparedness, you are required to take a 45-minute English Placement Test so that we can place you at the appropriate level. If your English skills aren't quite up to the standard, you'll be placed in a STEP course at either Level  1, 2, or 3.

To assess how you are going to fare in the test, a preview version is available by clicking on the icon to the right.

* STEP was formerly known as IELP (Intensive English Language Program).

STEP 1 (Basic to Elementary)

5 STEP courses + 1 Physical Education course

STEP 011 - Reading I
STEP 012 - Writing I
STEP 013 - Grammar I
STEP 014 - Listening & Conversation I
STEP 015 - Independent Projects

Aims: At this Basic Level, students will brush up on the language they already know from their previous studies (e.g. grammar, vocabulary). In addition, they will be introduced to the basic principles and techniques of English composition. Class discussion and active listening will also be emphasized. Students will develop reading skills and systematically increase their active vocabulary while encountering a variety of reading texts, including fiction, non-fiction, and essays, At the level appropriate for them.

STEP 2 (Elementary to Intermediate)

3 STEP courses + 1 Physical Education course + 2 regular credit courses*

STEP 021 - Reading & Writing II
STEP 023 - Grammar II
STEP 024 - Listening & Conversation II

Aims: At the Intermediate Level, students will further develop their composition skills while focusing more on the structure of the language, in order to produce a well-written essay. They will also be given ample opportunities for more extended and creative oral practice, for example, presentations, simulations, debates, and speeches. The reading selections will further develop students' reading skills while systematically increase their active vocabulary. Critical thinking skills and academic skills such as inferencing, synthesizing, note-taking, and test-taking will be introduced to prepare students for academic life.

* In STEP 2, students are only allowed to take General Education courses (100 series), unless approved by the STEP Department Head.

STEP 3 (Intermediate to Advanced)

2 STEP courses + 1 Physical Education course + 3 regular credit courses

STEP 031 - Reading & Writing III
STEP 034 - Listening & Conversation III

Aims: At the Advanced bevel, the emphasis will be on more purposeful integration of critical thinking and an enhanced focus on academic skills (e.g. inferencing, synthesizing, note-taking, and test taking) in order to develop strategies for success in the international program classroom. A variety of text genres will be presented, including literature, lectures, and authentic reading and listening selections. The writing component will prepare students to produce a well-written academic paper. Students will also be given opportunities to organize and produce oral presentation, debate, interview, and role play.