The Intensive English Division (IED) of the School offers intensive instruction in English to students who have been admitted to English-medium degree programs, but do not possess sufficient English for their departmental coursework. These students study at IED for one academic semester or year in order to develop the English language knowledge and skills required for their degree programs. This period of intensive language instruction also enables students to adjust to the academic environment at FIU and to develop study skills essential to their discipline-related work.

Each course comprises 25 hours weekly of highly interactive instruction including class-work, computer-based work, library work and project work. Each level of study (beginner, elementary, pre-intermediate, and intermediate) takes 7-8 weeks to complete. Students placed in the pre-intermediate level or above therefore have the opportunity to complete their studies in the Intensive English Division in one semester.

In order to qualify for the end of semester English Proficiency Exam, students must have successfully completed at least the intermediate level. This regulation also applies to summer school students.

All students (new and old ) have the right to take the Fall English Proficiency Exam.