Types of ESL Programmes
Additional Services Provided by ESL Course Providers
Cost
Visas
Accreditation
How to Choose
How to Apply
Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
For More Information

A variety of English language and/or orientation programmes are available to foreign students at US academic and training institutions. For many students, enrolment in an English language training and/or orientation programme is only the first step in their academic, vocational or technical training in the US or an English-speaking environment.

Types of ESL Programmes
English language programmes may be part of a college or university, or they may operate as private, independent programmes. University-based programmes usually operate on the semester system (two blocks of 15 weeks each) or on a quarter system (four blocks of ten weeks each). Private programmes are usually more flexible on course entry dates and have shorter courses. Independent programmes are sometimes located on a college or university campus but operate separately. Both types of institutions offer intensive, semi-intensive, professional and summer programmes.

Intensive ESL courses
Intensive English courses generally require 20-30 hours per week in the classroom. Courses include classroom instruction, small group discussions, language labs and out-of-class work. Intensive courses may or may not allow students to attend regular academic classes in other subjects outside the ESL curriculum. Most programmes are developed as pre-academic preparatory courses, designed to prepare students for admission into an US college or university.

Semi-intensive ESL courses
Semi-intensive English courses generally include academic study in fields other than English. Semi-intensive courses generally include classroom instruction, small group work, language labs, and out-of-class work. A university may require you to take a few semi-intensive ESL courses if your TOEFL scores were sufficient for admission into a degree programme at the university, but further proficiency is desired.

Professional English Courses
Many private English language programmes and some university-based ones are tailored to fit the needs of professionals. While universities may have business English courses or special certificate programmes in different subjects, many private schools offer English courses specific to fields such as law, engineering, education, medicine, architecture, computer science, aerospace, hospitality management and travel. Internships or work experience with US businesses, are available with some programmes, both private and university-based.

Summer Study
For more information on summer study, please consult the EAS Summer Study Programmes and Summer Study Sampler handouts.

Additional Services
Many intensive English language programmes often provide additional services to ESL students, adding a cultural aspect and helping students to meet US families and apply the language skills they are learning. Some of these special services include:

• Taking academic courses while enrolled in ESL classes

• Academic counselling concerning careers and further education

• Assistance with college and university applications

• Field trips, excursions and cultural activities

• Homestays (lodging and meals) with American families

• Host Family Programmes (visits to American families)

• Personal counselling

• Organised recreational and sports activities

• Language laboratories and tutors

While not all of these services may be available, they add greatly to what you are learning in the classroom and will make you feel much more a part of the school and city where you are studying. You should enquire about these activities when choosing a programme.

Cost
Cost varies greatly. Tuition fees for English language programmes range between $150 and $300 per week, and room and board ranges between $125 and $350 per week. Other fees such as insurance, athletic fees, health care, optional field trips and books can total up to $800 per session. Financial aid is extremely limited. To find out about the possibility of financial aid from an English language programme, contact them directly and make enquiries.

Visas
Make sure that you have the correct information about the type of visa you will need for studying in the US. Visa requirements have changed in the past two years and are still changing. Ask the US Embassy or Consulate nearest you about current requirements. Be sure to tell them what kind of programme you wish to study in and for how long. Also contact the school or programme you wish to attend and ask them which visa you will need.

Accreditation
All Intensive English Language Programs (IEPs) in the US must be accredited by the Commission on English Language Program Accreditation (CEA). Accreditation guarantees certain minimum standards. IEPs that are not part of university programmes and therefore do not have accreditation through the university, must be independently accredited by a recognised accrediting body. In addition there are two national organisations that recognise, as opposed to accredit, IEPs who go through a self-study process: the American Association of Intensive English Programs and the University and College Intensive English Programs. Most institutions list their accreditation and their professional association membership in their information brochures.

How to Choose
You will need to do plenty of research when choosing an English Language Programme.
First, you will need to decide what type of programme best fits your needs. Make sure the courses in which you wish to enrol are appropriate for your language proficiency, as you will be required to enter classes within your ability level. You will need to look at individual institutes and consider:

• location

• cost

• accreditation

• the qualifications of the faculty

• housing

• class size

• any additional services offered

A useful programme-locator tool can also be found at the University and College Intensive English Programs (UCIEP) website: www.uciep.org

Refer to English Language & Orientation Programs in the United States for complete information. Copies of this book, and several ESL prospectuses, are available in the EAS Reference Library.

How to Apply

Step 1
You should obtain application materials from the institutions you are interested in attending. To do this, write, e-mail, fax, or phone the institution. When requesting information, also enquire about possible financial aid and admission deadlines. Admission is generally open. This means that the institution will accept all applicants, providing they meet minimum criteria, such as financial ability and perhaps a minimum proficiency in English (usually required for admission into professional English courses).

Step 2
You should complete the application and return all necessary documents by the admission deadline. Documentation of previous education is sometimes necessary for some schools or programmes. Often a secondary school completion certificate will suffice. After you have been admitted, the institute will ask you to provide proof of finances. This is necessary before they can provide you with the I-20 form, which you will need to get your visa.

Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL)
TOEFL is a standardised exam that tests English proficiency. It is required of non-native English speakers for admission into a degree programme at almost every college or university in the US. The exam measures reading comprehension, listening comprehension and writing skills. It is not a language qualification in itself. Special test training preparation courses designed to help you take the TOEFL are available in London (also see EAS's Test Training Tutors handout) and in the US.

For More Information

On-Line Resources
Please visit our English language courses web links page for a listing of related web sites and email discussion forums.

Off-Line Resources
The US Educational Advisory Service's reference library contains numerous self-help guides and course directories for English language courses.

Feel free to browse through these reference materials during our opening hours. It may be possible for local bookstores to order the guides through UK publishers.