Intensive English Program Questions and Answers

 

What does our program emphasize?

The Intensive English Program seeks to improve students' English language skills, with particular emphasis on conversation, vocabulary and idiom practice, pronunciation, and listening skills. Two types of classes are offered: one section emphasizes general skills for those seeking to become better English speakers in an academic or professional setting, and the other is designed for University of Rochester graduate students who will be teaching assistants in the coming year. On their first day, students are given an oral interview and a listening and written test to evaluate their current skill level. The curriculum at every level is interactive, requiring students to participate in activities such as conversation, role-playing, in-class presentations, and videotaping. Because our classes are small in size (5-12 students) teachers are able to individualize instruction for their classes once student needs and expectations are made clear. Students receive a Certificate of Completion at the conclusion of the program.


Who participates?

Each summer approximately 50 students from all over the world participate in the program. In a typical year we have students from 14 to 15 different countries. Students range in age from 18 to 35, but there is no age limit. They are a mix of undergraduates, graduates, and professionals from the corporate world. The diversity in age, gender, cultural background, and English levels, makes for an exciting and challenging program.


How do students apply for admission to the Intensive English Program?

To apply, fill out the application and submit it, along with the non-refundable $200 deposit. If you are already in the United States the application deadline is June 20, 2003; if you are outside the United States and need a visa the deadline is May 26, 2003. The deposit is deducted from the total tuition payment, which is due no later than July 3, 2003. The deposit will be refunded if admission is not granted to the program.

The application is available in PDF format, which requires that your computer have Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you don't already have Acrobat Reader, click on the button to go to Adobe's website and download a free copy: Get Acrobat Reader

Click here to download the 2003 Intensive English Program application.

Note: Admission to the Intensive English Program does not constitute admission to the University of Rochester. Students interested in applying for a degree program should contact the Office of Admissions, Wallis Hall, University of Rochester, Box 270251, Rochester, NY, 14627-0251 or call (585) 275-3221 or visit www.rochester.edu/admissions.


Where do students live during the program?

University housing is available to all students enrolled in the program from July 7 to August 8. Students are housed in double rooms with other Intensive English Program students. Living together in the residence halls gives our students opportunities to practice their English even after classes and activities have ended.

Residence halls have kitchens, laundry facilities, and TV lounges. Each hall has a women's bathroom and a men's bathroom. The rooms have high-speed Internet access for students who bring their own computer and pay a small fee.

If you will be continuing on as a University of Rochester graduate student after the completion of the program you are eligible to apply for early housing in the graduate housing areas. For information and application forms for graduate student housing, please contact the University Apartments Office, Office of Residential Life, University of Rochester, P.O. Box 274068, Rochester, NY, 14627 or send an e-mail to uapts@reslife.rochester.edu.

The summer 2003 rate is $612.50, including linen service (pillow, sheets, blanket, towel).

If you will be continuing on as a University of Rochester graduate student after the completion of the program you are eligible to apply for early housing in the graduate housing areas. For information and application forms for graduate student housing, please contact the University Apartments Office, Office of Residential Life, University of Rochester, P.O. Box 274068, Rochester, NY, 14627 or send an e-mail to uapts@reslife.rochester.edu.


What dining arrangements are available?

Students pay cash on a meal-by-meal basis, dine out at local restaurants, or bring their own meals to campus.


What are the tuition and other costs for the program?

Tuition is $1590 U.S., payable in full by July 3, 2003. This fee does not cover textbooks, supplies, housing, meals, or other expenses associated with attending the Intensive Summer English Program. It is estimated that an additional sum of at least $3000 U.S. is needed to cover such expenses. The total estimated expense for the program is $4590 U.S.


What is the tuition refund policy?

Students who notify the ESL coordinator in writing of their intention to withdraw from the program will receive refunds according to the following schedule:

 Before July 7, 2003  Tuition minus $200
 After the first day of class  Tuition minus $250
 After the second day of class  Tuition minus $300
 After the third day of class  No refund


Are there visa requirements for students?

Prospective students must have appropriate immigration status for the duration of the program and are required to comply with all aspects of U.S. immigration law. Although some students admitted to the program already reside in the United States and have valid immigration status, those who are coming to the United States for the first time must arrange, in advance, for an appropriate visa. If you need to arrange for a visa, the type of visa and method of obtaining it depend on whether you plan to visit the United States only for our Intensive English Program or you will be enrolling in a U.S. college in fall 2003.

There are three possibilities:

1. For students who will attend the University of Rochester in the fall: upon receipt of your completed application, financial statement, and deposit, we will request a certificate of eligibility or form I-20 (DS-2019 for students applying for a J-1 visa) for you from the University of Rochester's International Services Office, and we will mail this certificate to you. You will then take the certificate of eligibility to the U.S. Consulate in your home country where they will issue an F-1 (or J-1) student visa, which will be valid for both our summer program and your academic-year program. It is recommended that you submit your application materials at least six weeks ahead of the date you plan to arrive in the United States.

2. For students who are attending only our summer program and do not plan to attend a U.S. college in the fall, the procedure is the same as for University of Rochester students (see number 1, above), but the form I-20 and F-1 student status will be valid only for the summer program.

3. For students who will attend another U.S. college in the fall: before you arrive in the United States, you should receive a form I-20 from the college that you will attend in fall 2003 and an F-1 student visa from the U.S. consulate in your home country. An F-1 visa will normally allow you to enter the United States up to 90 days before the start of your fall semester which would allow you sufficient time to participate in the University's Intensive English Program. However, under newly proposed immigration regulations that time may be reduced from 90 days to 30 days. If that occurs or if for any other reason you do not expect to have your student visa before attending our Intensive English Program, let us know and we will make arrangements for you to receive a separate certificate of eligibility (I-20 or D-2019) from the University of Rochester for the summer program.

Note: Students are advised not to enter the United States on tourist visas (B-2).


Is parking available?

All campus parking is by permit only. A parking permit valid for the summer session may be purchased at the Parking Office. You will need to provide your vehicle registration to receive a permit. For more information on permits, rules, and regulations, call the Parking Office at (585) 275-3983 or visit www.rochester.edu/parking.


What dates should students keep in mind?

 May 26
 Deadline for receipt of application (if you live outside the United States and need a visa)
 June 20  Deadline for receipt of application (if you already live in the United States)
 July 3  Deadline for tuition payment
 July 7-8  Orientation and English proficiency testing for placement purposes
 August 7  Final examination
 August 8  Closing luncheon and certificate ceremony


Who do students contact if they need additional information?

Please direct questions to

Office of Special Programs
English as a Second Language
University of Rochester
Box 270358
Rochester, NY 14627-0358
telephone (585) 275-2344
fax (585) 461-5901
e-mail esl@rochester.edu


Copyright 2002. University of Rochester. Updated November 19, 2002. E-mail: esl@rochester.edu www.rochester.edu/college/osp/esl/iep_q&a.html