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International Professional Development (IPD) Program

Frequently Asked Questions

What is IPD?

IPD is a professional training program for non-native English speakers with an emphasis on professional reading and writing skills, and on verbal and intercultural communication development. Learn more about our courses here.  The program also incorporates discussion with native speakers, corporate visits, business seminars, and cultural enrichment opportunities. The purpose of IPD is to prepare professionals to be effective and successful in the world of global business.

What are the requirements to enter IPD?

To enter IPD, you must have professional experience, a university degree (not necessarily a business degree), and high-intermediate to advanced English proficiency.

What kind of people participate in IPD?

Professional men and women come from all over the world specializing in fields such as sales, marketing, banking, finance, medicine, higher education, journalism, accounting, and many others.

IPD has welcomed participants from many countries. In the past several years we have had participants from Afghanistan, Burkina Faso, Benin, Brazil, China, Colombia, Cuba, France, Iran, Japan, Korea, Lithuania, Mexico, Peru, Thailand, Vietnam, and more.  About half of IPD participants are corporate-sponsored, and others pay for the program themselves. The average age is about 31.

When did the IPD program start?

IPD began in 1989 to provide English training for professionals. It remains one of the few programs of its kind. In addition, it is easily one of the most affordable, due to the low cost of living in Omaha.

How long does the IPD program last?

You may participate in any or all of the five eight-week sessions that IPD offers each year. Sessions 1, 2, 3, and 4, which meet from August to May, build upon each other, and many people choose to stay all four sessions, or for either 1 and 2 or 3 and 4. The summer course, Session 5, is an intensive combination of most of the things studied throughout Sessions 1 through 4. It is not uncommon to take either Session 4 or Session 1 in combination with the eight-week summer course.

How do I apply to the program?

Please visit our How to Apply page for up-to-date information on our application process.  Generally speaking, you should apply at least six to eight weeks before your preferred session start date.  You can contact us with questions about the application process at unoipd@unomaha.edu any time.

What are the advantages of Omaha?

Omaha is the cultural center and the largest city in the state of Nebraska. One nickname that has been applied in recent years is the "Silicon Prairie," which suggests its similarity to California's "Silicon Valley" in its attractiveness to business ventures. It is home to many of the largest information technology, agribusiness, communications, telemarketing, and insurance companies in the country. The people here are helpful and friendly, and if you like food, Omaha has a significant number of restaurants per capita, including a large number of ethnic restaurants. The city also has a large number of ethnic grocery stores, where ingredients for any type of cuisine can be found. Lastly, Omaha has four distinct seasons, with spring and fall being the most pleasant times of year. For more information, check out visitomaha.org.

Who are the instructors?

IPD is staffed by dedicated professionals in international education. Most of our staff and instructors have advanced degrees in either English as a Second Language or a related field, and they have significant experience living and working overseas. In addition, most have significant experience in the world of business as professionals themselves or as teachers or trainers.  You can learn more about our current Intensive English instructors here.

What are some of the other advantages to IPD?

  • The opportunity to develop friendships and networks with professionals from around the world.
  • Weekly corporate visits or business seminars given by local business executives and professionals from diverse industries.
  • Opportunities to customize your program of study by auditing both undergraduate and graduate classes at the University of Nebraska at Omaha.
  • Small classes of about eight students that allow for one-on-one attention from instructors.
  • Individual attention and assistance from International Programs staff regarding matters of immigration, housing, and curriculum.

Terms to Know

Learn more about terms to know and other frequently asked questions on Intensive English FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions). Topics include:

  • ILUNO and IPD Programs
  • Forms: Form DS_2019 and Form I-20
  • Sponsors
  • Tests: ACT, IELTS, PTE, SAT, and TOEFL
  • Visa Types: F-1 Visa and J-1 Visa