Helping You Reach Your Goals

  • As an international student joining the Duquesne University community, we'll provide you with comprehensive English language education and supportive services to ensure you succeed and thrive.
  • You'll become equipped with language skills and cultural understanding necessary to meet your educational and professional goals in an American university setting.
  • By collaborating with University partners, we provide English language evaluation, consultation, and intercultural exchange to foster a diverse international community.

Our Mission

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.

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Classes begin in January, May and August.

Important Information

The GEI offers 6 levels of English study.  Please see the class map below for each level:

Intensive English Program (IEP)

Foundation Level
(Pre-CEFR A1)

Foundation Reading

Foundation Writing

Foundation Speaking/ Listening 

Foundation Grammar 

American Culture
OR

Foundation Vocabulary & Communication Development

Level 1
(CEFR A1)

Level 1 Reading

Level 1 Writing

Level 1 Speaking / Listening

Level 1 Grammar

American Culture
OR
Level 1 Notetaking

Level 2 (CEFR A2)

Level 2 Reading

Level 2 Writing

Level 2 Speaking / Listening

Level 2 Grammar

American Culture or Level 2 Notetaking

Level 3 (CEFR B1)

Level 3 Reading

Level 3 Writing

Level 3 Speaking /  Listening

Level 3 Grammar

Level 3 Notetaking



Academic Preparation Courses

Academic Preparation 1
(undergraduate)
(CEFR B2: Over TOEFL 60 IBT / IELTS 5.5)

Academic Reading in Context

Academic Writing in Context

Academic Speaking in Context

Academic Grammar & Vocabulary

Academic Listening in Context 

Academic Preparation 2
(undergraduate - Freshman Writing)
(CEFR B2+: Over TOEFL 70 IBT / IELTS 6.0)

Bridges 100E

Bridges 101E

Bridges 102E

 

 

Academic Preparation 2 (graduate)
(CEFR B2+: Over TOEFL 80 IBT / IELTS 6.5)

Graduate Research Paper

Graduate Academic Discourse

Professional Presentation & Oral Communication

 

 

The GEI Student Guidelines contain information about GEI grading policies and the meaning of grades. The GEI Achievement Chart is also included.

Fall 2025 classes begin Monday, August 25

The GEI has 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 Semester:  May to July (12 weeks)
Before you begin your studies, the GEI will give you a placement exam. You will register for the classes that are best level for you.

If you have taken a standardized English test, you can refer to the class map in the GEI Student Guidelines  or information at Gateway Program to understand which classes match your test scores.  

The GEI prepares students for academic-level English to ensure that you can succeed at the university level.

GEI classes are small, with less than 10 students.
You will receive individualized and special attention from your instructors to ensure your success. 


Fall & Spring Semesters (not Summer)

Monday / Wednesday / Friday
Reading:  9:00 a.m. - 10:10 a.m.
Speaking / Listening:  11:00 a.m. - 12:10 p.m.
Grammar :  1:00 p.m. - 2:40 p.m. (Monday and Wednesday only)

Tuesday / Thursday
Writing:  9:25 a.m. - 11:05 a.m.
American Culture OR Notetaking:  12:15 p.m. - 1:55 p.m.

The answer depends upon many factors:
  • Your prior level of English
  • How many classes you take
  • Your rate of progress in each class
  • Your own amount of hard work
Examples:
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.
Fall & Spring Semesters (not Summer) costs in the 2025-2026 academic year:

Generally the costs are: 
  • Tuition:  $1,498 per course ($7,490 for full-time students per semester)
  • Health Insurance:  about $1,500 per semester
  • Books:  around $250 per semester
  • Testing Fee:  $75 per semester
The total cost is different for each student.  Full-time students must take 5 courses each semester. Part-time students can take 1-3 courses.

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. Visit on the web.

CEA Logo

 

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

Contact Us

We'd love to hear from you!

Global English Institute

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