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 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.
| 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.
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.
|
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 |
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
|
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.
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