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Virginia Tech -  English Language Institute

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About the Institute
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Intensive English
TOEFL iBT In-depth
Calendar, Tuition & Fees
Placement & Levels
Class Schedule
Typical Classes
Student Activities
Housing
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Intensive English

Our Intensive English program consists of 25 hours per week of language instruction divided into eight levels of proficiency from high-beginning to advanced. Core classes include reading and writing, listening and conversation, grammar, and pronunciation. Bridge to University, a concentrated university preparation program, is an integral part of advanced level study. Students may choose from a number of language electives offered each term at all levels, and may take TOEFL® iBT In-Depth at upper levels.

Program features include:

  • Concentrated preparation for university studies
  • Small class-sizes for attention to individual needs
  • An advanced computer-assisted learning center
  • Concurrent university enrollment for qualified students
  • Six entry dates per year in six and eight-week sessions

Sessions are eight weeks in length during the academic year from September through May. Summer sessions from June through August are six weeks long.

The English Language Institute is authorized under Federal law to enroll non-immigrant students. The Institute issues Form I-20 A/B, the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant (F-1) Student Status, to all students originating from outside the United States. This form is used to obtain a student visa.


TOEFL® iBT In-Depth

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TOEFL is the most widely recognized test of English proficiency in the United States, accepted for admissions purposes by colleges and universities throughout the country. The Internet-based TOEFL, or TOEFL iBT is administered in secure testing locations throughout the world. Unlike previous versions of the TOEFL, this newest test measures all four language skills, speaking, listening, reading and writing, with an emphasis on assessing the ability to communicate in English.

TOEFL iBT In-Depth Features

  • Complete overview of the course format, sections and question types
  • Vocabulary-building and extensive grammar review
  • Extensive computer-based practice, including timed sample tests
  • Speaking and writing drills under actual test conditions
  • Skill-building tips
  • Opportunity to take the TOEFL iBT on-site during the course

TOEFL iBT In-Depth is a featured elective in the Intensive English program. High-intermediate language proficiency and concurrent enrollment in Intensive English core courses are required.


Calendar, Tuition, & Fees

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Application Fee $125
 
Fees Paid Each Term
Technology Fee $65
Bus Transportation $21
Schiffert Health Center Usage $76


2008-09 Term Calendar and Tuition Rates

Term Start End Weeks Tuition
Fall I Mon, Aug 18 Fri, Oct 10 8 $2,550
Fall II Mon, Oct 13 Fri, Dec 12 8 $2,550
Spring I Mon, Jan 12 Fri, Mar 06 8 $2,550
Spring Break Sat, Mar 07 Sun, Mar 15 N/A N/A
Spring II Mon, Mar 16 Fri, May 15 9 $2,870
Summer I Mon, May 25 Thu, Jul 02 6 $2,100
Summer II Mon, Jul 06 Fri, Aug 14 6 $2,100

2008-09 Class Holidays: Labor Day (Sep 1), Columbus Day (Oct 13), Thanksgiving break (Nov 22-30), Martin Luther King Day (Jan 19), Memorial Day (May 25), Independence Day (July 3)

2009-10 Planning Calendar

Term Start End Weeks
Fall I Mon, Aug 24 Fri, Oct 16 8
Fall II Mon, Oct 19 Fri, Dec 18 8
Spring I Mon, Jan 11 Fri, Mar 05 8
Spring Break Sat, Mar 06 Sun, Mar 14 N/A
Spring II Mon, Mar 15 Fri, May 14 9
Summer I Mon, May 24 Fri, Jul 02 6
Summer II Tue, Jul 06 Fri, Aug 13 6

2009-10 Holidays: Labor Day (Sep 7), Columbus Day (Oct 12), Thanksgiving break (Nov 21-29), Martin Luther King Day (Jan 18), Memorial Day (May 31), Independence Day (July 5)

Refund Policy

After courses begin each term, all payments for the term are due and are non-refundable.


Placement & Levels

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The English Language Institute has eight levels of proficiency ranging from high beginner to advanced. Placement into a level is based upon results of a standardized test, a writing sample, and an oral interview. Movement from one level to another is based on the student’s achieving course learning outcomes. This is measured by performance on tests, written and oral assessments, and an exit evaluation of writing and reading skills.


Class Schedule

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Monday through Friday
9:00 am to 9:50 am Elective
10:00 am to 11:50 am Core I Course
1:00 pm to 2:50 pm Core II Course

Typical Classes

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Following is a listing of typical classes offered by level.

Level 200/250, High Beginner
Core I Course: Comprehensive Grammar & Conversation
Core II Course: Listening & Conversation
Elective: Vocabulary Building
Level 300/350, Intermediate
Core I Course: Comprehensive Grammar & Conversation
Core II Course: Reading & Writing
Joint Electives: American Idioms, Orientation to American Culture and Community, or Pronunciation and Listening
Level 400/450, High Intermediate
Core I Course: Comprehensive Grammar & Conversation
Core II Course: Reading & Writing or Conversation and Culture
Joint Electives: American Idioms, Orientation to American Culture & Community, TOEFL Preparation, Pronunciation & Listening, Advanced Academic Vocabulary, American Culture through Film
Level 500/550, Advanced
Core I Course: Comprehensive Grammar & Conversation
Core II Course: Bridge to University or Conversation and Culture
Joint Electives: Orientation to American Culture & Community, TOEFL Preparation, Pronunciation & Listening, Advanced Academic Vocabulary, American Culture through Film

Student Activities

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English Language Institute students enjoy public access to Virginia Tech activities such as art exhibitions, lectures, seminars, plays, concerts, community classes, socials and sports events. A Virginia Tech student event calendar appears at www.calendar.vt.edu.

Activities are arranged each term at the Institute based upon student interest and season. These typically include field trips, shopping, hiking, skiing, bowling and billiards, plays and concerts, soccer and other sports, swimming and canoeing, and dining out.

Student fees provide access to Schiffert Health Center, campus libraries and library computers, The War Memorial Gym and Blacksburg Transit bus service. War Memorial Gym facilities include an indoor swimming pool, indoor basketball courts, racquetball courts, a gymnastics room, a weight room, volleyball courts, squash courts, saunas, and a dance/aerobics room. Tennis courts and the recreational soccer field are also open to use by the Institute’s students.


Housing

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Homestay

Enjoy a complete cultural experience with additional time to practice your English by staying with an American host. Homestays are convenient to the school or on local bus lines. Ideal for short-term stays.

Features include:

  • Private bedroom with shared bath
  • Continental breakfast and and dinner daily
  • Supplied linens
  • Access to laundry facilities

Homestay placements are managed independently by Blacksburg Homestay. Rates and booking assistance are available at: www.blacksburghomestay.com

Campus Housing

A variety of student residence halls are available on the Virginia Tech campus. Residents enjoy complete immersion in campus life.

Options (subject to availability)

  • Double rooms sharing a semi-private bathroom
  • Traditional dormitory with shared floor bath
  • Lounge areas with television and VCR
  • Included high-speed wireless internet access
  • Laundry facilities

Campus residents participate in a meal plan. Menus at dining facilities are diverse and include vegetarian, kosher, halal, and low-fat selections.

Residence hall rates are available at: www.studentprograms.vt.edu/housing/roomboard.php

Contact the English Language Institute office at eli-info@vt.edu to inquire as to availability and for booking assistance.

Apartments

Apartments offer private, economical living situations best-suited to long-term students and families. They are abundant in the area surrounding the university. Many of are within walking distance of the Institute or are on the town bus routes.

Apartment rooms include cooking facilities and are usually unfurnished. Bathrooms are usually shared among roommates. A long-term lease is generally required. Rent may or may not include utilities.

For additional information on apartment housing, please see our Pre-arrival Information Sheet and the following website: www.uusa.vt.edu/uusaServices/OCH/rentals/vtoch.htm


 
     

Copyright 2007 - University Outreach & International Affairs at Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

TELL ME MORE ETS Authorized TOEFL iBT Center Commission on English Language Program Accreditation AAIEP - American Association of Intensive English Programs

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