Questions and Answers
1.
Who attends the English Language
Institute?
2.
Who teaches at the English Language
Institute?
3.
What types of learning laboratories are
featured at the English Language Institute?
4.
What methodology does the English
Language Institute use?
5.
How are students placed in different programs?
6.
What is the typical class size?
7.
How many students attend the English Language Institute each semester?
8.
What is the average age of the students?
9.
Where do the students come from?
10. What kinds of certificates are awarded at the end of each program?
11. What types of academic advisement are available to students in the English Language
Institute?
12. How can a student gain admission to an American university?
13. How many different programs does the English Language Institute offer?
14. Which program should I attend?
15. How do I apply to the English Language Institute?
16. What is included in the ELI tuition and fees?
17. Is there anything else I should know about?
18. Does the ELI offer any special classes or workshops besides those listed above?
1.
Who attends the English Language Institute?
International students who want to learn English to attend an American university, prepare for
professions or licensure, or simply enrich their lives attend the ELI.
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2.
Who teaches at the English Language Institute?
ELI full-time faculty are experienced specialists with Masters degrees in Teaching English as a
Second Language or related areas who bring warmth, cultural awareness and humor into their
classrooms. ELI instructors base their teaching methods on the latest research in language
teaching and learning.
All English Language Institute faculty are active members of the Association of International
Educators (NAFSA) and the Association of Teachers of English to Speakers of Other
Languages (TESOL) and regularly attend the conferences of those professional organizations.
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3.
What types of learning laboratories are featured at the English Language Institute?
The ELI incorporates the use of three types of learning laboratories, each located in the
Institute's main building, into the ELI curriculum:

AudioVisual Lab: Interactive video facilities that help students achieve
English proficiency through the use of multimedia feedback

Language Lab: An interactive audio facility that is used as an integral part of
all language classes

Computer Lab: A facility featuring a wide range of up-to-date computer
terminals, each equipped with easy-to-use language learning software that
enhances English language learning.
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4.
What methodology does the English Language Institute use?
The ELI bases its methodology on cutting-edge research and techniques for the teaching of
both oral and written English language skills.
By combining lectures, class participation, small group learning exercises, and oral and written
presentations, instructors ensure that students master the English language. English is spoken
exclusively in the classroom.
The Institute belongs to the University Consortium of Intensive English Programs (UCIEP), the
American Association of Intensive English Programs (AAIEP), and the Florida Intensive English
Consortium (FIEC).
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5.
How are students placed in different programs?
All students who enter the ELI are tested to ensure that they are placed in classes at the right
level for their language ability. For example, Intensive English Program students are tested in
grammar, conversation, reading and writing.
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6.
What is the typical class size?
All ELI classes are limited to a maximum number of fifteen (15) students and a minimum of six
(6). This promotes active participation and interaction between the instructor and student and
ensures specific attention to each student's particular level of proficiency.
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7.
How many students attend the English Language Institute each semester?
Between 200 and 400 students attend our Institute each semester.
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8.
What is the average age of the students?
ELI students are from all age groups, ranging from 16 years of age to 60, with a median age of
21.
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9.
Where do the students come from?
The ELI attracts students from all over the world. In the last few years the Institute has hosted
students from as many as 45 different countries including Argentina, Brazil, China, El Salvador,
Finland, France, Italy, Japan, Russia, Saudi Arabia, Sweden and Turkey. The diversity of our
student population lends an international flavor to our program and affords an authentic
multicultural experience for each participant.
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10. What kinds of certificates are awarded at the end of each program?
Each ELI program of study issues certificates of completion at the end of every course to each
student, indicating the type of program in which the student was enrolled and notice of
satisfactory completion of all program requirements.
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11. What types of academic advisement are available to students in the English Language
Institute?
All ELI students have access to academic advising. Qualified members of the Institute counsel
students on their academic options beyond the program they are currently attending. They also
help students with their applications and other necessary documents for admission to the
University.
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12. How can a student gain admission to an American university?
Although admission to the ELI does not constitute admission to any other department of Florida
International University, students who have completed one full semester in the Intensive
English Program can be granted Special Student Status at the University for the subsequent
semester if they meet the following requirements:

A pre-determined TOEFL® score on the TOEFL®

Grades of B or higher in all ELI courses

Recommendations from their ELI instructors
Students who are granted Special Student Status must take two (2) classes at the ELI
and two (2) regular classes at the University. Students who qualify will be granted
Special Student Status for one (1) semester only. The University Office of Admissions
reserves the right to accept or deny full admission to the University
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13. How many different programs does the English Language Institute offer?
The ELI offers many distinct programs, each designed with the diverse needs and skills of
international students in mind

The Intensive English Program

The Academic English Program

The University Bridge Program

The Business English Program

The Intensive Conversation Program

The Summer Institute

The Community Programs
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14. Which program should I attend?
The Intensive English Program
For students requiring an academic program that prepares
them for the TOEFL® examination and admission to an
American university or professional school.
The Academic English Program
For students interested in a university based academic
program that offers integrated language classes at a cost
comparable to community college tuition.
The University Bridge Program
For serious university-bound students, business
executives, and other professionals who have already
studied English and completed advanced levels, but would
like to obtain the preparation they need to succeed in the
academic, business, or professional world.
The Business English Program
For students interested in a full-time academic language
program with an emphasis on business that will enable
them to communicate more proficiently in the business
community.
The Intensive Conversation Program
For students who wants a short-term (3 or 4-week)
immersion course in conversation only. This non-academic
program requires the student to speak English, and only
English, all day long.
The Summer Institute
For students seeking a short term (4-week) semi-academic
program with an emphasis on English grammar and
conversation. TOEFL® preparation classes are available
through the Summer Institute for high-intermediate to
advanced students only.
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15. How do I Apply to the English Language Institute?
Students applying to the English Language Institute must be at least 16 years old. The
Intensive, Summer Institute, Intensive Conversation and Academic English programs share an
open admissions policy. Academic requirements must be met for admittance to the Business
and the University Bridge programs.
To apply to one of the programs, mail the following package of information to:
Florida International University
English Language Institute
Registrar’s Office – LC 204
University Park
11200 SW 8th Street
Miami, FL, 33199
USA
o
A completed application form
o
A US$100 registration fee in the form of a cashier's check, money
order, Visa or Master Card, payable to Florida International
University
o
If you are requesting an I20 form, also send an official bank letter
stating that the student, the student's parent(s), or the student's
sponsor has the minimum amount required in the application form
available for study at the ELI (It is a requirement that the balance be
at least $9,000 per student). If the bank letter is from a parent or
sponsor, please attach an additional letter verifying his/her
commitment to making such funds available.
o
Also send a $50 for express mailing of your documents.
Upon receiving the above documents with evidence of financial support, the
ELI will issue the student an I-20 Form. The student must take the I-20 to the
nearest American embassy/consulate and apply for the F-1 Student Visa.
The ELI can send the I-20 form to the student via courier for a charge of $50.
Under no circumstances should a student come to the University without
having received the official Letter of Admission and the I-20 Form. Admission
to the English Language Institute does not constitute admission to Florida
International University.
Admission to the English Language Institute does not constitute admission to
Florida International University.
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16. What is included in the ELI tuition and fees?
ELI tuition and fees for all of the programs include:
o
Orientation
o
Immigration advising
o
Academic advising
o
Planned cultural and leisure activities
o
Use of the language and computer laboratories
o
Tuition and fees for the Intensive English Program include the cost of our basic
classes, laboratory, orientation brunches, graduation lunches, and traditional holiday
festivities
o
Tuition and fees for the Intensive Conversation Program include luncheons
Not included in tuition and fees for any of the programs are the following:
o
Health insurance
o
Health service fee
o
Student ID
o
Housing
o
Meals
o
Textbooks
o
Special classes
o
Institutional TOEFL®.
o
Parking fees
o
Access to FIU gymnasium
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17. Is there anything else I should know about?
Yes, the following information is very important to know if you're planning on studying at the
ELI.
Medical Insurance
Major medical insurance for each student is mandatory only if you have an F-1 student visa.
Students must purchase medical insurance at the time of registration. This is required for the
student's own protection, as health costs in the U.S. are extremely high.
Immunization
All students must present proof of immunization against measles, mumps and rubella. If a
student does not have proof of immunization, he/she must be immunized at the F.I.U. Student
Health Center before the beginning of the term. Cost of immunization is not included in the
course fee and must be paid directly to the Student Health Center. All FIU housing students
must also show proof of immunization against meningitis and hepatitis B before being allowed
to move in.
TOEFL®, TOEIC®, and other tests
The ELI offers an institutional TOEFL® exam every month from January through December.
The TOEIC® is administered on a periodic basis.
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18. Does the ELI offer any special classes or workshops besides those listed above?
Yes, in order to meet the educational needs of the University, the local and international
communities, the ELI may offer special seminars, workshops and training sessions, contingent
upon available time and space.
If your school, company or institution is interested in any of the above or has a special
proposal, please contact the Institute.
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