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English Language Institute

The English Language Institute offers in-person English language programs at all levels for international students, local professionals and local residents. ELI is growing a welcoming and diverse community where students feel they belong and can learn the language skills they need to succeed. In 2021 ELI expanded its menu of services and began the road to recovery from the pandemic.


Expanding Menu of Services

Recovery from the Pandemic

In Their Words: María Arancibia

María Arancibia in Knoxville during her time as an ELI student

María Arancibia in Knoxville during her time as an ELI student

María Arancibia was 26 years old when she decided to pack up her life in Santiago, Chile, and move to Knoxville.

When COVID-19 lockdowns began, Arancibia found herself bored and itching to learn something new. An avid traveler, she looked into opportunities to improve her English and stumbled across the English Language Institute at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville. In less than a month, Arancibia quit her job and bought a plane ticket to America, taking a leave of absence from her home country.

Read María’s Full Story