The ELI, founded in 1956, fulfills an essential role in preparing incoming students for successful study in both undergraduate and graduate programs at AUC. The increasing demands and expectations of AUC's degree programs pose as a constant challenge to students' English language abilities. This is especially true in view of the diverse educational background of AUC's students. Through its two English language programs — Intensive English and Academic English — the ELI has enabled generations of students to meet the challenge.

The ELI is also the home of the graduate program in Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) which offers both a Master's degree and a Graduate Diploma in TEFL. Initiated in 1966, the TEFL Program has provided strong professional support to the language programs. Leading figures in the profession have served on its faculty or as distinguished visiting professors at various times. A partial list includes Bonny Norton, Georgette Ioup, Robert Gibson, Russell Campbell, Clifford Prator, G. Richard (Dick) Tucker, Marianne Celce-Murcia, Grant Henning, Robert Kaplan, Joshua Fishman, JoAnn (Jodi) Crandall, Michael McCarthy, Patricia (Patsy) Duff, Susan Gass, J. Donald Bowen, as well as Ann Johns and Mark Clarke, who are both alumni.

English Language Course Pathways for AUC Students