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Frequently Asked Questions - FAQs

Intensive English Program

Application/Immigration Issues

Can I study in the intensive English program on a tourist visa?

No. If you are on a tourist visa, you may not study in our intensive English program. However, you may study in our summer short course or evening programs.

Can I study in the intensive English program part-time?

Yes. If you are NOT on an F-1 student visa, you may choose to study part-time. This means you can take one, two, or three classes (five hours a week per course).

If you are on an F-2 visa, you may take one or two classes. F-2 visa holders are not allowed to study more than 50 percent of the time.

How do I get an F-1 visa?

After you have submitted all the necessary application documents to us, we will issue you an I-20, which is needed to apply for a visa. Before you apply for the visa, you will need to pay the SEVIS fee of $100. After you have been accepted to study in the intensive program, you will be sent instructions on how to apply for a visa and how to pay the SEVIS fee.

How long does it take to get an I-20?

As soon as we have received all of your application documents, we will begin processing your I-20. I-20 processing generally takes two or three days. We Express Mail your acceptance packet, which normally takes two to five days, depending on where you live. You will be notified by e-mail when we have sent your acceptance document.

Who should I ask if I have questions about my visa or my student status?

You should talk to C.A. Johnston Folds, our registration coordinator. If you are in Atlanta , you may call her at 404-894-2425 or meet with her at the Language Institute in Room 108B. You may also contact her by e-mail at carol.johnston@esl.gatech.edu .

What if I have to leave the U.S. for an emergency?

If you need to leave the United States for any reason while you are studying here, you will need to get travel authorization. Bring your I-20 in to C.A. Johnston in Room 108B for her to sign. You should be prepared to give her the dates of your travel out of and into the United States

I want to bring my family with me to the Language Institute while I study. How can I do this?

Students on an F-1 visa may bring their dependents (spouses and children) to the United States while they study in the intensive English program. Simply complete the “Accompanying Family Members” section of the application form and include copies of their passport information pages. If you wish to bring your spouse and/or children with you, your financial guarantee document will need to have an additional $1000 per dependent per eight-week session.

Transfer Students

What do I need to transfer?
        
You should submit

• the completed application form
• a current bank document showing a minimum of $4,064 available on deposit for each 8-week session you expect to study,
• a copy of your I-20 from your current school, and copies of I-20s from any previous schools,
• a copy of your F1 visa page from your passport,
• a copy of your passport information page,
• a copy of your I-94 card
• a copy of your transcript from your current school and other schools you have attended in the United States ,
• a completed transfer clearance form (see the link to this form at "how to transfer"), and
• $100 application fee.

It is important that you submit all the application materials at least two weeks before your 60-day grace period has passed   so that we can complete your transfer in the SEVIS system through school notification.  If you wait until the 60-day period has expired, you will need a reinstatement.

When can I have my Language Institute I-20?

If you plan to travel outside the United States before the Language Institute registration day, let us know when you apply for the transfer.  We will send you a transfer I-20 to use in returning to the United States .  If you are not going to leave the United States before the registration day, we will give you the new I-20 after registration.

If I leave the United States before registration at the Language Institute, can I use my old I-20 from my current school to come back into the country?

No.  You must enter the United States with the I-20 issued by the school you are going to attend. 

Do I need to take a placement test at the Language Institute if I studied at another language program in the United States or if I have a TOEFL score?

Yes, all new students take the Language Institute placement test before being assigned to a class. A Level 3 in one program may not be the same as a Level 3 in another program.

Payments and Finances

 

My company is sponsoring me to study in the intensive English program. Do I need the company's bank statement?

No. For corporate sponsorships, instead of a company bank statement, your sponsor must send letter of support on company letterhead and signed by a financial officer, indicating the company will financially sponsor you to study at the Language Institute.

When do I need to pay my tuition and fees?

You will need to pay all tuition and fees on first day of each session you attend. You may make a payment with cash, a credit card, a debit card, traveler's checks, or an official bank check. Personal checks are not accepted.

How can I obtain financial aid?

The Language Institute does not provide financial aid or scholarships.

I am a resident of Georgia , do I get an in-state discount?

The intensive English program does not offer an in-state tuition rate. All students in the intensive program pay the same tuition rate.

Can I work while I am a student?

Students with F-1 visas are allowed to work part time (up to 20 hours a week) on campus only. You may see our student advisor in Room 102 for a list of student jobs. Students on an F-1 visa may not work off campus.

Housing/Insurance

 

Do I have to have health insurance?

If you are on an F-1 visa, you must purchase a student insurance policy from Pearce and Pearce. The Pearce and Pearce policy is required of all students on an F-1 visa at public universities in Georgia . In some cases, students with other insurance coverage may be eligible to waive out of the Pearce and Pearce requirement. Click on Insurance Waivers for instructions on how to apply for a waiver.

Can I live in a dormitory on campus?

On campus housing is available during the summer, spring 1 and spring 2 sessions. It is generally not available for the fall 1 and 2 sessions. However, many students live in a private dormitory located within walking distance of the Language Institute. For more information about this option, you may contact Jackie Ramezani at jackie.ramezani@esl.gatech.edu .

How do I apply for housing?

To apply for on-campus housing, you should fill out the On-Campus Housing Request form and fax it to 404-894-8755. All on campus housing requests must be done through the Language Institute student adviser.

There are several off-campus housing options. For off campus housing, you will need to apply directly to http://100midtown.com (private dormitory) or www.atlantahomestays.com (homestay). If you prefer to live in an off-campus apartment, we recommend that you wait until you arrive in Atlanta to find one. It is possible to find apartments online, but it is easier if you do it in person.

Level & Section Changes

How do I know what level I will be in?

On the first day of the session you will be given a placement test. Based on the results of the test, you will be placed in one of seven levels.

I think I'm in the wrong level. Can I change levels?

Students are placed into levels based on their placement exams, diagnostic tests, and performance in previous LI classes. Our instructors have a lot of experience assessing students' language abilities. We will not place students into levels that are too high or too low for their abilities. Placing a student in a level higher than his or her abilities is not fair to other students in the class.

However, if you are a new student and unhappy with your placement, you can talk to your teachers during the first week of classes. Your teachers will be monitoring your performance. Show them that the class is too easy for you. In addition, your teachers will give you a diagnostic test in the first week. If you score far above the other students in the class, you may be in the wrong level.

If you are a continuing student and unhappy with your placement, you may take the level placement exam on the Monday before classes start. If your score places you in the next level (e.g., you just finished 300 but placed in 500), you will be permitted to move. Finally, all students who would like to change levels should fill out the “Schedule Change Request Form.” Put the completed form in Jennie Brown's box outside her door (Room 106) by the first Friday of the session.

How can I change sections of a course?

Section changes are only granted if they do not greatly affect class size. You may request a section change by completing the “Schedule Change Request Form.” Put the completed form in Jennie Brown's box outside her door (Room 106) by the first Friday of the session. Note: students do not choose their teachers or classmates.

How/When will I know if I can change levels or sections?

Be sure you have submitted your “Schedule Change Request Form” to Jennie Brown by the first Friday of the session. The following Monday afternoon, your teachers will meet and decide whether you can change levels or sections.

Schedule changes will be announced on Tuesday morning of week 2. Come to Jennie's office (106) to learn whether your schedule has changed. After Tuesday of week 2, no level or section changes will be made.

I have a time conflict. What can I do?

If you are on an F-1 visa, your first priority is school. You may not change your schedule to accommodate outside commitments. However, if you are a part-time student or visiting scholar, we will do our best to put you in the class times you prefer.

Grades

What are midterm grades?

On the Friday of Week 4, all teachers submit midterm grades. Midterm grades reflect how students are doing halfway through the session. Midterm grades will not appear on students' final transcripts. The midterm grades are as follows:

• SB Satisfactory academically and in attendance
• US Unsatisfactory academically but satisfactory in attendance
• UA Satisfactory academically but unsatisfactory in attendance
• UB Unsatisfactory both academically and in attendance

I got a US , UA, or UB on my midterm, and I don't know why.

These marks indicate unsatisfactory academic performance, unsatisfactory attendance, or both. The first step is to talk to your teacher about the grade. If you would like additional guidance, see the academic coordinator, Jennie Brown, in Room 106.

What is a passing grade?

The lowest passing grade for a course is C-.

When do I get my final grades?

Final grade reports are available on Tuesday afternoon following the end of the session. You may pick up your grades in person at the front desk, or request that they be mailed to you. Note: your friends or family members cannot pick up your grades.

Attendance

What's the attendance policy?

In the intensive program, you must attend 80 percent of classes to receive a certificate. If you miss more than five classes, your course grade will be lowered one grade. Students who miss nine or more classes will fail the course. Consult your teacher about late policies. Some teachers count tardiness towards an absence.

Can I get my absence excused?

Some absences may be excused. Examples of excused absences include illness/medical leave with doctor's note, death in the family, prayer release time if previously arranged, etc. Unexcused absences include illness with no doctor's note, transportation problems, vacations, etc. All requests for excused absences must be made with the director or associate director. Teachers cannot excuse absences.

Note: students who have an excused absence are expected to make up work that they have missed, but the days do not count as absent. If you miss school, it is your responsibility to keep up with school assignments. Talk to your teacher to see how you can make up the work.

General

What kind of students study in the intensive English program?

There are about 225 to 250 students per session in the intensive English program. The students come from more than 35 different countries, with the largest groups from Korea , Turkey , Colombia , Japan and Taiwan . Most students are planning to go on to do academic work at an American college or university. We also have a number of professionals who are improving their English for work purposes.

How long will it take me to study English?

It depends on the proficiency level at which you begin the program and your motivation and ability. There are seven levels in the intensive program, and most students can complete a level successfully in eight weeks.

In addition to in-class instruction, you need to study spend time studying outside of class on homework and assignments. You also need to make a commitment to use only English while you are here. You need to take every opportunity to practice your English. We have a number of extracurricular activities, including an American conversation partner to help you practice your English.

Problems

What should I do if I am not happy with my class?

You should first speak to your teacher to share your concerns. You can also make an appointment with the director to talk about your concerns or send her an e-mail at karen.tucker@esl.gatech.edu

What should I do if I have a problem with my computer account?

You should talk to Alfred Bacon, our technology specialist, in Room 216.