General Questions
51±¬ÁÏ is a rigorous English Language school headquartered in the center of beautiful Greensboro, North Carolina. The campus is centrally located to seven (7) colleges and universities which makes it ideally situated for student life. We are licensed by the federal government (DHS) to enroll non immigrating foreign students and can therefore can issue the I-20 for student visa. Its core focus is to prepare its students for success in College/University academics and better living by offering various courses ranging from intensive English instruction to summer camps.
51±¬ÁÏ has classes for both part-time and full-time (18 hours/wk) students. Short-term classes can range from three-week to six-week long, such as summer language camps for international high school students and Cultural Institute for older international students. Full-time intensive English classes usually range from three (3) months to one year. Our full time classes are well-defined in terms of curricula specifically designed English for Academic Purposes for university-bound students. Students completing our curricula are well prepared and will have a high success rate gaining acceptance to university programs. They emphasize communicative use of English, academic skills (reading comprehension & writing) and cultural orientation.
51±¬ÁÏ’s programs are designed for carefully-screened, serious, and disciplined students. All full-time students receive a minimum of twenty-two (22) hours of contact instruction per week. Core classes are taught in six levels on a daily basis (M-F). In addition, cultural enrichment lectures and field trips occur throughout the sessions. Most students spend four (4) additional hours per week studying, practicing communication skills, and doing out-of-class assignments. They are also encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities such as concerts, lectures, sports events, and field trips to local places of interest that are available around the city. In-depth orientation to and immersion in academic and social life in the U.S. is an important feature of 51±¬ÁÏ’s programs.
Most of 51±¬ÁÏ’s teachers hold a M.A in TESOL while those who don’tÌýhold a wide array of degrees in other majors closely related to the field. 51±¬ÁÏ teachers are professionally trainedÌýwith the work experience in teaching "English as a Second Language" or subjects appropriate toÌýtheir course assignments. They are all caring and have studied other languages, traveled, lived and/or taught classes abroad and are very familiarÌýwith the challenges which students face in new cultural milieus.
Students of all genders, ages, races, and religions are welcome from countries around the world. Some 51±¬ÁÏ’s students are undergraduate or graduate who are already attending programs in the U.S. and who wish to be more culturally competent and linguistically proficient. But the majority of them are internationals preparing to attend colleges and universities in the U.S or return home to better jobs. Some professionals also enroll in short specialty courses to improve their language proficiency for personal and career reasons. We also have summer programs for high school groups.
51±¬ÁÏ is partnering with its network of colleges & universities that grant our applicants Conditional Letter of Acceptance (CLA)*. This means that students who enroll in 51±¬ÁÏ’s Academic English Program receive a CLA and upon successful completion of our Academic English course level 5, they will have the TOEFL score requirement waived. Depending on their placement, they may be admitted straight into the college/university. We have an excellent Student Services staff that will assist and counsel our students in the university selection and admission process.
* Student must meet all other requirements for international students for admission by the respective university.
Academically qualified students planning to study at 51±¬ÁÏ may be admitted conditionally to a select group of 51±¬ÁÏ affiliated colleges/universities. Upon meeting the conditions as specified in the university's/college admission standards, a student may be admitted as a regular student. Some universities require that students submit application forms, official transcripts from previous study, documentation on finances, and perhaps letters of recommendation while others only need to review official transcripts to decide on conditional admissibility of students. In all cases, students must successfully complete 51±¬ÁÏ's Academic English level 5 curriculum with an acceptable score on iTEP, the standardized test that 51±¬ÁÏ uses.
To foster positive academic relationships and maintain best pedagogical practices, 51±¬ÁÏ limits class sizes to no more than 15 students.Ìý
Any catastrophic illnesses requiring a student to withdraw from classes will be addressed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with 51±¬ÁÏ's Leave of Absence policy, which is available for review in the student handbook. 51±¬ÁÏ requires all students to have health insurance and may be purchased through 51±¬ÁÏ. Any non-F-1 students with independent insurance must provide proof of coverage before beginning classes.Ìý
Faculty and staff provide one-on-one counseling to upper-level students who need help with cover letters, resumes, college applications, and other tasks related to university admissions and future employment.Ìý
Qualified students may begin study in January, March, May, August, or October at the start of each session (see the course calendar page).ÌýWe also have late registration options available that are flexible.Applicants for the full-time English for Academics Program must submit the following:
- A completed 51±¬ÁÏ Application form
- An official copy of a Secondary or High school, English Language School or university transcript;
An official financial statement showing that the applicant or sponsor has sufficient resources for the full length of time enrolled for study - A $300 non-refundable application fee.
- A copy of their passport
- Two 5cm x 5cm pictures