ESLdirectory - English Language Program at Virginia International University in Fairfax, VA

Program Description:

Are you looking for a great way to improve your English speaking, writing, reading, and listening skills? Experience American culture in a dynamic region of the United States? Make friends from around the world? Study in an intimate learning environment with caring, qualified instructors? Participate in fun social activities outside the classroom? Prepare for success at institutions of higher learning in the United States? If so, then Virginia International University’s English as a Second Language program is the perfect choice for you!Virginia International University’s affordable four-level ESL program serves adult learners from more than 30 countries. Our students enjoy our non-threatening learning environment where they’re supported to take risks, practice new skills, and try their hand at new and often unfamiliar experiences. Most of our students come to VIU to learn English as a step toward academic work or career development, and some qualify to combine ESL and academic instruction. Many graduates of VIU’s ESL program move into our academic programs, including certificates, undergraduate, and graduate programs in business and computer science. Others move on to other college and university programs. Many of our students also return to their home countries where they will use English as a global language for international business. VIU’s ESL program offers a variety of courses to engage students in innovative ways and to stimulate learning. We offer core weekday morning courses in grammar, reading and writing, speaking and listening, and pronunciation. Afternoon electives appeal to a broad interests, including current events, journalism, business English, American culture, vocabulary, and dramatics. Full-time ESL students enjoy 20 hours of classroom instruction per week. In addition, ESL students may take advantage of the university’s extracurricular activities, including trips to nearby Washington, D.C., soccer, and social events.VIU’s ESL program offers four levels of ESL instruction corresponding to student skill/needs assessments. The levels are: Elementary: Little or no ability to communicate.  Intermediate: Can use basic forms for most social situations and limited work environments. Advanced: Mastery use of language for social, work, and school.  College Preparatory: Educated speaker of English needing preparation for college success. Courses prepare students for the TOEFL iBT and to succeed in U.S. institutions of higher learning. Virginia International University’s ESL program is a fantastic choice for international students who seek a living and learning opportunity in the United States.

program details

tuition: $2,575 per semester

housing/meals: $400 - $800 per month

total cost: $15,000 annually

average class size: 15

maximum class size: 25

current student count: 75

available housing options:

VIU Housing Service can arrange student housing (subject to availability) prior to your arrival in the United States. For further information, please contact the Housing Services officeHousing options:ApartmentsFor students wishing to rent an apartment, either individually or in a group, apartment rental information is available upon request from the Office of Student Services. Host FamiliesAn excellent way for students to improve their English-and at the same time become acquainted with American culture-is to stay with a host family. Student Services selects host families through rigorous personal interview and inspection procedures. As for meals, students staying with host families choose between the "bed and breakfast" plan, in which hosts provide only daily breakfast, and the "half-board" plan, in which hosts provide both breakfast and dinnerRental Fee ScheduleApartment (4-5 students)Townhouse (5-7 students)The rent for sharing a room in an Apartment or in a Townhouse can be between $250-$500 per month for each person (if conditions are met). The host family rates are between $500-$850 per month for each person depending on the conditions and meal plan.

location information:

We are located in Fairfax, VA which is very accessible to the metro and bus system.

application information:

To begin the admission process for the ESL program, we would need the following:- Admission Application - $50 Application Fee- $50 International Postage Fee (international students only)- Tuition Deposit of $400.00 - Financial Support Statement (see attached sample)- Take our English Placement Test when you arrive at VIU- Copy of Passport- Two passport size pictures