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Frequently Asked Questions
- What does the IEP offer?
- When are the sessions?
- How much does it cost?
- Is any financial assistance available, such as scholarships or loans?
- How quickly will I learn English?
- How many hours will I study each week?
- What will I study?
- Will I need to take an entrance exam or placement test?
- Do I need to take the TOEFL before I apply to the IEP?
- Do I need to take the TOEFL after I finish my studies at the ELC?
- What is the end results of this program?
- Where is the English Language Center located?
- Where can I live?
- When do I pay?
- Do I need a student visa to study at the ELC?
- Can I study at the ELC if I do not have a student visa?
- Five levels of comprehensive English language instruction in the core skills areas of reading, writing, grammar, speaking, listening and pronunciation.
- Specialized communication courses in American culture, pronunciation, vocabulary development and TOEFL Test preparation.
- Small classes that provide individualized attention.
- Experienced faculty and staff committed to your success.
- Entry and exit testing to place you at the level that will give you maximum gain from your studies.
- An opportunity in the advanced levels to apply for conditional admission to UMBC without taking the TOEFL.
- Use of all campus facilities: libraries, resource centers, computer labs, shuttle buses, the fitness center, gymnasium, and Olympic swimming pool.
- Access to all student services: health services, housing services, the dining hall, the Women's Center, the Learning Resource Center, and many others.
- Organized student activities: field trips, school clubs, student organizations, the Conversation Partners Program, and more ...
The Intensive English Language Program offers five sessions a year, two in the fall, two in the spring and one in the summer. Refer to Academic Calendar for session dates and application deadlines.
Refer to Tuition and Fees schedule for a complete explanation and breakdown of all program costs.
4.Is any financial assistance available, such as scholarships or loans?
The English Language Center is unable to offer any type of financial assistance in the form of scholarships or loans. The ELC does offer a payment plan for students with special financial circumstances.
5.How quickly will I learn English?
The ELC offers five levels of intensive English training. Each level requires one semester (two sessions) to complete. Your rate of advancement through the program depends on your personal goals and commitment to learning.
Students are tested at the beginning and end of each semester to determine if they are ready to progress to the next level.
6.How many hours will I study each week?
Students study in classes from 18 to 21 hours per week depending on the session. Homework is generally assigned for each class. In addition to classwork, students spend extra time writing or researching in computer labs, talking with conversation partners, getting one-on-one tutoring, and participating in student activities.
At each level, students study reading and writing, as well as developing speaking and listening skills to emphasize cross-cultural and social interaction. At the advanced level, students prepare to communicate and function effectively in an academic or professional environment through an emphasis on academic English.
8.Will I need to take an entrance exam or placement test?
Each student takes a placement test during new student orientation regardless of any previous English language training. The results of the test determines the level of English language the student studies in the program.
9. Do I need to take the TOEFL before I apply to the IEP?
No. All new students take a series of placement tests during orientation to determine English proficiency level.
10.Do I need to take the TOEFL after I finish my studies at the ELC?
No. Students who are interested in applying for undergraduate admission at UMBC can apply for conditional admission without a TOEFL score. To be eligible for conditional admission, students need to have complete level 4 with an A or B grade with the recommendation of your instructors. If admitted, students continue to take advanced English courses while beginning undergraduate courses. The satisfactory completion of level 5 is accepted as proof of proficiency in English, after which a student is eligible for regular admission.
If you wish to apply to a university other than UMBC or to apply for graduate school, students may need to take the TOEFL test. Please contact that specific university program to learn about TOEFL requirements.
11.What is the end results of this program?
The Intensive English Language program is divided up into sessions and semesters. At the end of a semester (two sessions), a student receives a recognition certificate and and grade report. It normally takes a student one semester to progress from one level to the next. The length of stay for a student depends on the student's personal goals and the level they enter the program. The length of study for a student is approximately one-year.
12.Where is the English Language Center located?
The English Language Center is located on the University of Maryland, Baltimore County(UMBC) campus. UMBC is located in Baltimore County, within the residential communities of Arbutus and Catonsville. These communities are very family oriented and safe.
Students in the IEP program have the option of living on-campus or off-campus. On-campus is recommended for students who want to participate actively in the UMBC student community.
Off-campus housing is available in apartments near UMBC or accessible to UMBC by bus.
Students pay the application fee with the application itself. Tuition and fees have to be paid in full for one semester (two sessions) during pre-registration or during orientation.
15.Do I need a student visa to study at the ELC?
If a student is not a resident of the U.S., they must have a visa. When we receive the completed application and all supporting documentation, we issue the certificate of eligibility (form I-20) required to obtain an F-1 student visa.
16.Can I study at the ELC if I do not have a student visa?
Back to topStudents may study at the ELC with a tourist visa, a green card, or if they have entered the U.S. with a spouse.