Program Information

The English Language Institute (ELI) at Sam Houston State University provides an intensive language training program where international students can improve their English communication skills in a friendly and supportive atmosphere. We understand the variety of English learning goals our students have and we make every effort to help them achieve those goals. Our students are important to us and we care about them and their needs.

IMPORTANT: ADMISSION TO THE ELI DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ADMISSION TO SHSU

Our academic program includes the following:

21 hours per week of classroom instruction
2 hours of required language lab per week
Experienced, skilled and supportive faculty
Conversation sessions in which a small group of ELI students discuss interesting topics with American students
Excellent study support facilities and services: Full-service library, reading and writing centers with free tutors, study skills advisors, GRE and GMAT preparation sessions, ample computer centers around campus open many hours for student use
Counseling and orientation services available on request.
Small classes which are limited to 15 students.

Our Courses:

Each student will be placed into one of three levels upon arrival.

Level 1 - Beginner

Level 2 - Intermediate

Level 3 - Advanced

Core Curriculum

Listening & Speaking (6 hrs/week)
Reading (6 hrs/week)
Grammar/Composition (6 hrs/week)

Electives (each student chooses 1 of the following)

Academic Skills (3 hrs/week) -- This course will help students learn to do research, write papers, give presentations and perform other tasks in English that students in American universities need to know.
TOEFL Preparation (3 hrs/week) -- Through participation in this course, students gain the skills, strategies and confidence they need to succeed in all sections of the TOEFL.
Life Skills (3 hrs/week) -- A wide range of students can benefit from this class, which focuses on interpersonal and informal speaking and writing skills.

Sample Schedule

SHSU ELI Fall 2009 Class Schedule

HOUSING

Students have several options for where to stay during their time in Huntsville. Dorm housing is available but sometimes can be difficult to secure. Surrounding the university are a number of apartment complexes, including some that offer free transportation to and from the campus. Also, some students find local friends to stay with, which decreases expenses significantly. If you need help finding a place to live, please contact our office or visit http://www.shsu.edu/~hou_www/.

TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)

Each semester, the ELI provides multiple chances for students to take practice TOEFL tests, as well as providing one Institutional TOEFL test per semester. SHSU ITP Registration Form

PASSPORTS AND VISAS

Our professional staff in the Office of International Programs provides free advising and assistance with immigration issues for all ELI students.

INSURANCE

Health insurance is required for all ELI students. The university will automatically charge all students the fee of $740/year. For more information, refer to the Health Center's website: Student Health Center Insurance Policy

POLICIES AND PROCEDURES

Refund Policy

A student enrolled in Sam Houston State University may receive a refund of tuition and fees for dropping a class or resigning. Refund policies were established by Senate Bill No. 604 of the 65th Legislature and adopted by the Board of Regents, Texas State University System, in August of 1977 and by the applicable federal regulations dealing with first semester financial aid students.

Refunds and credits from one department will be applied to any other outstanding balances in other departments. Any remaining refund will be available to you based on the preference you have selected through BearkatOne.com. The University may refund tuition and fees paid by a sponsor, donor or scholarship to the source rather than directly to the student who has withdrawn if the funds were made available to the University.

Counting Class Days for Refunds: Class days are University class days, not the number of days an individual class meets. Class days are to be counted from the first class meeting of on-campus daytime courses as indicated in the Academic Calendar.

Dropping courses - A student who drops one or more courses for any given semester/summer session, but remains enrolled in at least one course for the remainder of the semester as a student at this University may be eligible for refunds. There is a 100% refund (does not apply to students dropping to "0" hours.) for dropping classes for the first 4 class days for Summer Sessions (June 9 – 12 for Summer Session I and July 10 – 15 for summer Session II) and the first 12 class days for the Fall semester (Aug 22 – Sept 9). Drops must be processed by 5:00 p.m. on the day of the deadline to receive a refund.

Summer/Fall Semester Resignation Refund Schedule

Refund Schedule for Resignations

Summer I

Summer II

Fall

100% thru June 8

80% June 9 - June 11

50% June 12 - 16

No refund thereafter

100% thru July 9

80% July 10 - 14

50% July 15 - 17