Program Information
IMPORTANT: ADMISSION TO THE ELI DOES NOT CONSTITUTE ADMISSION TO SHSU. PLEASE READ STUDENT HANDBOOK FOR FULL INFORMATION ON THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE INSTITUTE.
Overview
Semester Schedule
The ELI schedule follows the SHSU academic calendar:
Academic Calendar 2011-2012
Fall 2011: August 24 - December 16
Spring 2012: January 18 - May 11
Summer 2012: May 31 – August 3
Upon arrival, each student is placed into one of five levels based on the results of an assessment exam that tests students’ communication skills. Initial placement will be in one of the following skill levels:
Level Basic - Beginning (almost no English, severely limited ability to communicate)
Level 1 - Upper Beginning (limited English, functional ability to communicate)
Level 2 - Intermediate (can communicate informally, limited English in academic settings)
Level 3 - Upper Intermediate (high fluency in informal settings, nearing academic fluency)
Level 4 - Advanced (approaching mastery of academic English, almost ready for university)
Students are expected to complete one level per semester, but may repeat or skip levels in some cases. If a student fails to achieve the learning objectives for a level, the course must be repeated the following semester.
Note: Students may not register for classes after the 12th class day during fall or spring semester and after the 4th class day during the summer term.
Core Curriculum
ELI students must maintain 18 classroom contact hours of core curriculum classes per week in their level. Core classes are:
- Listening & Speaking
Students develop oral communication abilities with a variety of media and activities.
- Reading
Students work on literacy skills to increase fluency while reading academic texts.
- Grammar/Composition
Students study the structure of English and apply it to multiple writing tasks.
Supplemental courses
ELI students must attend all assigned supplemental courses for their level. Each course is three classroom contact hours per week.
Supplemental courses for Level 1 and Level 2:
- Vocabulary - - Students will increase their fundamental words knowledge.
- Basic Grammar -- Students will study fundamental English structure.
Supplemental courses for Level 3 and Level 4:
- Academic Skills -- Students will learn skills needed in preparation for university work, including note-taking, using support resources on campus, practicing good study skills and test-taking strategies, researching, preparing reports, giving citations and presenting findings to the class.
- TOEFL Preparation -- Students will gain the skills, strategies and confidence they need to improve on all TOEFL sections.
Class sizes
Enrollment is limited to eighteen students per class. If fewer than five students register for a particular core level, the ELI may choose to cancel classes for that level.
ASSESSMENT & EVALUATION
To be successful, a language program must assess students’ achievement of learning objectives and evaluate staff, textbooks and services. The ELI assesses students using:
- Language assessment exams administered each semester
- Grades based on attendance, participation, coursework and testing
- Student achievement of leveled learning outcomes
To evaluate the effectiveness of the staff, textbooks and overall program, the ELI uses:
- Annual performance appraisals for staff based on evaluation by the supervisor
- Classroom observations by supervisor and external curriculum consultants
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language)
Each semester, the Sam Houston State University Testing Center provides multiple chances to take the TOEFL iBT for use in university admissions . For more information on the test or to register, visit http://www.ets.org/toefl.
ELI students may qualify to waive the TOEFL requirement for admission to SHSU Undergraduate Admissions. See the following policy for more information: TOEFL Waiver.
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/.
Advising
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. For more information, refer to the Health Center's website: Student Health Center Insurance Policy
Refund Policy
State Statutory Refund Schedule of Tuition and Fees
Fall and Spring Semesters
| time | amount |
|---|---|
Before the 1st class day |
100% |
1st class day through 5th class day |
80% |
6th class day through 10th class day |
70% |
11th class day through 15th class day |
50% |
16th class day through 20th class day |
25% |
Thereafter |
No refund |
State Statutory Refund Schedule of Tuition and Fees
Summer Session Refund Schedules
| time | amount |
|---|---|
Before the 1st class day |
100% |
1st class day through 3rd class day |
80% |
4th class day through 6th class day |
50% |
Thereafter |
No refund |
Note: 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.
To find out more about studying at English language programs in the United States, visit the website below :
http://www.educationusa.state.gov/home/education-usa/global-left-nav/english-language-programs
