Would you like to improve your English language skills? The Minnesota English Language Program (MELP) at the University of Minnesota (UMN) offers English as a Second Language (ESL) courses and resources that serve a variety of learners.

What MELP Offers

Available for credit or noncredit, MELP courses help English language learners develop their reading, writing, listening, and speaking skills, and serve high-beginning to high-advanced English speakers. We also offer testing and a wide range of learning resources for multilingual university students and the faculty and staff who support them. 

What Students Are Saying

Read the transcript. 

MELP's Mission 

Improve English language skills of students at the University of Minnesota, helping them develop cultural understanding and the communication, critical thinking, and academic skills needed to be successful in academic, professional, and social settings.

Help internationalize the University of Minnesota by providing native speakers of other languages access to the University, serving as a resource to University programs and faculty who work with multilingual students, and fostering greater understanding of linguistic and cultural diversity.

Support the ESL profession by offering training opportunities for ESL teachers, providing continued development for ESL professionals, and contributing to the field through presentations, publications, and collaboration on research in second-language teaching and learning.

MELP is committed to the guiding principles of the University of Minnesota and contributes to the larger mission of the University. See also College of Continuing and Professional Studies Values and University of Minnesota Regents Policy on International Education and Engagement.

Contact Us!

612-624-1503 or 1-800-234-6564
esl@umn.edu

Office Location: 20 Nicholson Hall
Office Hours: Monday–Thursday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.; closed on Fridays
Virtual Front Desk Hours: Wednesdays, 8:30–10:30 a.m.; Fridays, 8:30–11:30 a.m.

Note: If you are visiting our office in person and do not have a U Card, please call us so we can let you into the building.