We'll Help You Learn English & Reach Your Goals

The Global English Institute (GEI) serves international students and the Duquesne University community by offering comprehensive English language education and services. We equip students with language skills and cultural understanding necessary to meet their educational and professional goals in an American university setting. We collaborate with University partners, providing English language evaluation, consultation and intercultural exchange to foster a diverse international community.

Apply Now!

Important Information

We have courses for everyone. Our Level 1 is for beginners and our Academic Prep levels are for students that are ready for university study.

5 level program map
We have classes all year, but you must begin your studies at the beginning of a semester. 
  • Fall Semester - August to December (15 weeks)
  • Spring Semester - January to May (15 weeks)
  • Summer Session 1 - May & June (6 weeks)
  • Summer Session 2 - July & August (6 weeks)
Before you being our program, we will give you a placement exam. You will be placed in the classes that are best for you.
Our small class sizes average around 10-12 students.

Fall & Spring Semesters
Monday
9:40 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. - Reading
11:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. - Speaking and Listening 
1:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. - Grammar 
Tuesday
9:40 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. - Writing
1:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. - Notetaking 
Wednesday
9:40 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. - Reading
11:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. - Speaking and Listening 
1:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. - Grammar 
Thursday
9:40 a.m. - 11:20 a.m. - Writing
1:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. - Notetaking 
Friday
9:40 a.m. - 10:50 a.m. - Reading
11:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m. - Speaking and Listening  

The answer depends upon many factors---your prior level of English, how many classes you take, your rate of progress in each class, and your own level of hard work!
However, students who enter at Level 1 should plan on at least one to one-and-a-half years of study (four to five semesters). Students who enter at the Academic Preparation Levels usually need one to two semesters to complete ESL requirements.

The total cost is different for each student. Full-time students must take 5 courses each semester. Part-time students can only take 2 courses. 
Generally the costs are: 
  • Tuition - $1,329 per course ($6,645 for full-time students per semester)
  • Health Insurance - $1,300 per semester
  • Books - around $250 per semester
  • Testing Fee - $50 per semester

Meet Our Students

Female student

The ESL Program has taught me a lot of things. I really enjoyed learning about a new culture, people and opening my mind to new things. This program not just taught me the language, but also that I have a family here.

Laura Lewensztain ESL Student, Bolivia
Male student in suit

Not only do I miss the fantastic and easy-to-talk-to staff members, but I also miss the opportunity to meet people from several different nationalities, including Americans, on a regular basis, while practicing/improving my English in every interaction.

Mauricio Sanchez ESL Student
male student at desk

I felt I learned a lot from GEI. The classes and teachers are all interesting. It is a good place to improve yourself and get ready for your future classes.

Yuchen Ling Undergraduate, School of Business

I would like to take this opportunity to show my heartfelt appreciation for the GEI family at Duquesne University for your interesting and informative classes. I had an incredible experience. In addition to the advanced methods of teaching English language, I was given the opportunity to practice and apply what I learn in different activities including conversation hour and the book club which I enjoyed immensely. That was an invaluable experience.

Mohammed Alnakhli ESL Student, Saudi Arabia
Female student in front of building

The GEI program was my first exposure to college courses. I learned academic skills such as essay formatting and note-taking to prepare me for my major classes. I also improved my English skills. More importantly, I was able to quickly immerse myself in American culture and experience cultural diversity with the help of the instructors and other international students.

Ximeng Chen Undergraduate, School of Music

Accreditation

The Global English Institute is recognized as a program approved by private and government educational organizations from around the world.

Duquesne University is fully accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation.

The Global English Institute at Duquesne University is accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA) for the period December 2017-December 2027 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 national accrediting agency. For further information about this accreditation, please contact the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation, 801 N. Fairfax Street, Suite 402A, Alexandria, VA 22314, (703) 665-3400, www.cea-accredit.org.

CEA Logo

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you!

Global English Institute