Text Only

Program Outline

CLASSES

Classes are small, with an average of 8 to12 students per class, and usually no more than 15. Classes prepare students for success in an American university and introduce students to American culture and university life. Classes meet 20 hours a week: four hours each day, Monday through Friday. Students must spend additional time preparing and studying for their classes. Students are assigned to one of six curriculum levels, based on their placement test results. Students who have successfully completed one level will be promoted to the next level.

GRAMMAR

English grammar is taught and practiced through a variety of communicative and functional activities.

READING and WRITING

Courses focus on building vocabulary, reading, and study skills with level-appropriate materials. Students learn and practice techniques that will help them develop the writing skills necessary for academic success.

SPEAKING and LISTENING

Communicative activities help students improve their comprehension and expression of spoken English and reinforce vocabulary and pronunciation.

OPTIONAL CLASSES

An intensive TOEFL test preparation class is always available. Other classes are offered according to student interest. Additional classes are available for a nominal charge and require a minimum number of participants.

CERTIFICATES

At the end of each term, certificates will be awarded to all students who complete the ELI program and are ready to proceed with regular university coursework. In addition, certificates are awarded for special achievement and attendance.

ELI's 2012 Academic Calendar

Attendance

Students must attend at least 85 percent of their classes and do the assigned work.

Cultural Experience

Full-time ELI students enjoy most of the same privileges as VSU students, including access to the health center, student union, and recreational facilities.

ELI students are invited to participate in many social and cultural events such as banquets, cookouts, and field trips to historic and cultural landmarks.

Meals & Housing

With a large dining hall, several grills, and fast food restaurants, ELI students have many choices. Students may choose a meal plan that fits their personal preferences. For more information about dining services at VSU, click on the link: http://services.valdosta.edu/dining/mealplans.aspx

There are many dormitory-style apartments and apartment complexes within walking distance of the university, and the ELI staff will help you locate appropriate housing.

Health Services

All students are required to pay a health service fee that covers health care services at the VSU Student Health Center.

For more information on the VSU Health Center, click on the link: http://services.valdosta.edu/health/

This coverage does not extend to major medical needs, for which all students are required to have health insurance. Additional health insurance must be purchased at VSU upon arrival.

Mandatory

Spring/Summer 2012 Term

All international students with an “F” or “J” visa are required to enroll in the Mandatory Plan or request a waiver on-line through Pearce and Pearce. The health insurance premium will be added to your fee schedule.  In addition to paying your student health insurance fee, you must also complete the enrollment on line at the Pearce and Pearce link below.  This will ensure you receive your ID card in a timely manner.

The rates for a two-month ELI session are: $200.00

Waivers

Students in the mandatory groups will have the option to waive the student insurance if they have a pre-approved insurance plan. They can apply for a waiver on-line by visiting the Pearce and Pearce website.

Please note that waivers are approved term by term so you must re-apply each term to confirm your information has not changed.  If you had a waiver for the fall and you selected you wanted the same waiver for the spring/summer term, you will not need to submit another request.  Pearce and Pearce will verify you still have the same coverage in effect.  If you have forgotten, and go into the system and try to complete a new waiver, the system will alert you and say you already have a pending waiver for the spring/summer completed in the fall If your request for a mandatory plan waiver is denied, you will be given a reason for the denial and you can appeal the decision.

The open enrollment expiration date for the spring/summer term is February 7, 2012 and the waiver request deadline is February 7, 2012. After this date, Pearce and Pearce will close their website for waiver requests and the student will be required to pay the Pearce and Pearce student health insurance fee.

Link to Pearce and Pearce https://www.pearceandpearce.com//PearceSite/Schools/GA/vsu/Default.asp

Eligibility or questions, contact Pearce and Pearce at 1-888-622-6001

Claims: 1-888-722-1668