The Intensive English course series is designed to assist students in acquiring the language skills necessary for successful study at an American university.
Students enroll in three classes per term and are engaged in these classes 25 hours per week. Classes are divided into eight levels according to language proficiency. Twenty hours per week are dedicated to core classes. Core classes
include instruction and practice in reading and writing, listening and conversation,
grammar, and pronunciation. Bridge to University, a
concentrated university preparation program, is an integral
part of advanced level study.
Five hours per week are devoted to special interest electives. These offerings vary by session, but typically include Pronunciation & Listening, American Idioms, Academic Listening & Note-taking, and American Media. TOEFL® iBT In-Depth, offered each term, is available to students who have high-intermediate to advanced language proficiency.
Intensive English Features:
- Full-time, intensive instruction in all language skill areas
- Eight levels of instruction from high-beginning to advanced
- Concentrated preparation for university studies
- An advanced computer-assisted learning center
- Concurrent graduate-level university enrollment for qualified students
- Up to 18 months of study, depending on placement
The Virginia Tech Language and Culture Institute (VTLCI) is authorized under Federal law
to enroll non-immigrant students. Form
I-20 A/B, the Certificate of Eligibility for Nonimmigrant
(F-1) Student Status, is issued to all students originating from outside
the United States. This form is used to obtain a student
visa.
Self-paced, computer-based training is integrated throughout the Intensive English curriculum to support classroom teaching, address students’ individual learning needs and provide instruction in special interest areas.
Through its technology center, VTLCI makes available some of the newest and most effective computer-assisted language learning software on the market. Each Intensive English student is provided access to Auralog’s award-winning TELL ME MORE® language learning program. TELL ME MORE features more than 850 hours of content in English as a second language from beginning through advanced levels of learner aptitude.
TOEFL is the most widely recognized test of English
proficiency in the United States, accepted for admissions
purposes by colleges and universities throughout the country.
The Internet-based TOEFL, or TOEFL iBT is administered in
secure testing locations throughout the world. Unlike
previous versions of the TOEFL, this newest test measures all
four language skills, speaking, listening, reading and
writing, with an emphasis on assessing the ability to
communicate in English.
TOEFL iBT In-Depth Features:
- Complete overview of the course format, sections and question types
- Vocabulary-building and extensive grammar review
- Extensive computer-based practice, including timed sample tests
- Speaking and writing drills under actual test conditions
- Skill-building tips
- Opportunity to take the TOEFL iBT on-site during the course
TOEFL iBT In-Depth is a featured elective in the Intensive
English course series. High-intermediate language proficiency and
concurrent enrollment in Intensive English core courses are
required.
The Intensive English course calendar closely follows the Virginia Tech semester calendar, with two terms taking place each semester. Sessions are generally eight weeks in length during the academic year
from September through May. Summer sessions from June through
August are six weeks long. Intensive English term calendars appear in Virginia Tech main campus and National Capital Region location descriptions.
Intensive English courses are divided into eight levels from high-beginning to advanced. Each level may be completed, with normal progress, in one term. Students are placed into a level upon arrival according to their initial English proficiency, which is determined by results of a standardized test, a writing
sample, and an oral interview. Movement from one level to
another is based on the student’s achieving course learning
outcomes. This is measured by performance on tests, written
and oral assessments, and an exit evaluation of writing and
reading skills.
Following is a listing of typical classes offered by level.
|
Level 200/250, High Beginner |
| Core I Course: |
Comprehensive Grammar & Conversation |
| Core II Course: |
Listening & Conversation |
| Elective: |
Vocabulary Building |
|
Level 300/350, Intermediate |
| Core I Course: |
Comprehensive Grammar & Conversation |
| Core II Course: |
Reading & Writing |
| Joint Electives: |
American Idioms, Orientation to American Culture and Community, or Pronunciation and Listening |
|
Level 400/450, High Intermediate |
| Core I Course: |
Comprehensive Grammar & Conversation |
| Core II Course: |
Reading & Writing or Conversation and Culture |
| Joint Electives: |
American Idioms, Orientation to American Culture &
Community, TOEFL Preparation, Pronunciation & Listening,
Advanced Academic Vocabulary, American Culture through
Film |
|
Level 500/550, Advanced |
| Core I Course: |
Comprehensive Grammar & Conversation |
| Core II Course: |
Bridge to University or Conversation and Culture |
| Joint Electives: |
Orientation to American Culture & Community, TOEFL
Preparation, Pronunciation & Listening, Advanced Academic
Vocabulary, American Culture through Film |
