Vision
A distinguished learning environment with local and international expertise that delivers high-quality English language programs.
The Overview
The English Language Institute offers general and specialized courses for male and female students at Umm Al-Qura University, aiming to develop skills for learning and using English in everyday life, academic contexts, and various professional fields such as medical, technical, administrative, scientific, and economic sectors. The Institute also provides a variety of training programs, including academic writing, language skills, presentation and public speaking, and strategies for learning English. In addition, the Institute contributes to the professional development of faculty members through intensive programs designed to enhance their language proficiency and prepare them for scholarships, including IELTS preparation, academic research, correspondence with supervisors, and academic CV writing. The Institute is committed to providing a motivating learning environment based on collaboration and professionalism, maintaining continuous communication with students to meet their needs, and has obtained a Quality Membership Certificate from Oxford University Press.
Establishment:
The English Language Center was established in 1402 AH as part of the College of Social Sciences and began its journey with limited resources and a small teaching staff, initially focusing on preparing teaching assistants and lecturers for overseas scholarships. Over the years, its academic services expanded to include students from various colleges and departments such as Islamic Architecture, Engineering, Medical and Applied Sciences, and Basic Sciences.
The Center witnessed significant growth in its programs, offering diverse courses for university staff, government entities, and different sectors of the community, in addition to intensive and remedial courses for newly admitted students. It also contributed to teaching English language courses for diploma programs in cooperation with the College of Community Service and Continuing Education.
With the establishment of health colleges, colleges of pharmacy, and applied medical sciences, the number of male and female students increased significantly, strengthening the Center’s academic and supervisory role. This expansion was reflected in the diversity of its programs and the broadening of its impact, making it a key pillar in supporting the educational process and developing English language skills both within and beyond the University.
Objectives
Provide distinguished English language programs to prepare students capable of using English for academic and professional purposes.
Develop and support scientific research in the field of learning, teaching, and assessing the English language.
Employ technology to enhance the use and development of English language learners’ skills for various purposes.
Enhance the efficiency of faculty members and staff to excel in performing their duties with high competence through training programs and practical workshops.
Expand local and international partnerships that contribute to supporting the learning and teaching of English, professional development, and scientific research.
Offer training courses in learning and teaching the English language to serve the needs of the local community.
Mission
Excellence in delivering English language teaching and learning programs that serve the educational process, scientific research, and the local community.