Instruction is offered each term on the Foundation level (for low beginners) and levels 1-5. Courses are given in the basic skill areas of listening, speaking, reading, and composition. Special elective courses are also offered: Vocabulary, Idioms, TOEFL Preparation, Pronunciation, American Culture, Intensive Reading, Advanced Listening Comprehension, and Academic Speaking. Instruction is supplemented with instructional software, videos, and computer lab assignments. ELC students find many opportunities to practice speaking English through the Conversation Partner program.

The Conversation Partners are young American students, and many of them are top students in the University of South Alabama's Honors Program. Small classes permit students to receive more individual attention from their instructors. All instruction is in English.

At the beginning of each term, students are tested to determine placement in the correct level of study. Promotion to the next level is determined by class grades, reading levels, and the Compass Proficiency exam given at the end of each term (see chart below). A student with little or no proficiency in English can expect to spend five terms (one year) before he or she has the necessary proficiency to enter a university in the United States.

1. Completion of Level Five with a GPA of 80% or better
2. ACT Compass average of 85 or better
3. Accelerated Reader level of 6.0